§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many schools they estimate will need to close their sixth forms due to a requirement to extend provision of courses offered at A-level, if the Costello report into education is implemented in Northern Ireland. [HL2959]
§ Baroness AmosNo sixth form need close. The present range of A-level options, that in some schools is fewer than 10 subjects, is clearly inadequate. Costello highlighted the need to expand this. It is envisaged, however, that many sixth forms will not do this as providers but as enablers through constructive access arrangements and co-operation with other local schools and FE colleges.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will implement a common funding formula for all schools in Northern Ireland; and, if so, what would be the consequences for schools in Belfast, especially those in "targeting social need" areas. [HL3051]
§ Baroness AmosThe Department for Education in Northern Ireland plans to consult schools on the final proposals for the common funding formula over the next few months, with the aim of implementing common funding in April 2005. Work on the impact of the proposals is still under way and I am, therefore, unable to provide details of the consequences for schools in Belfast. The implementation of common funding will be undertaken within finite budgetary constraints, and central to this will be the issue of manageability, especially for schools facing reductions in their relative budget share.