§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to expand the network of city technology colleges. [102194]
§ Ms Estelle Morris[holding answer 13 December 1999]: The current network of City Technology Colleges (CTCs) is an important part of the Government's strategy to promote diversity with excellence within a modernised comprehensive system. That strategy includes the provision of new and exciting ICT rich learning environments for our city children through the expansion of the specialist schools programme and the establishment by September 2000 of 32 City Learning Centres under our Excellence in Cities initiative.
The role of existing CTCs will continue to develop, in particular by helping to spread innovation and best practice more widely to schools and communities.