HC Deb 06 November 2003 vol 412 cc757-8W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to promote a greater ethnic mix in schools in multi-ethnic areas; and if he will make a statement. [136074]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

The Code of Practice on School Admissions was revised in January 2003 and makes it clear that all admission authorities have a duty to promote racial equality and should assess the impact of their admissions policies on ethnic minority pupils and parents.

Guidance issued earlier this year to School Organisation Committees asks them to consider the potential contribution to community cohesion when considering proposals for a new school. Schools can promote community cohesion by inclusive admission arrangements or by working with other local schools to bring children of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds together to promote understanding between different groups in our society.