HC Deb 12 November 1929 vol 231 cc1740-1W
Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that care fully-thought-out curricula, adapted to the varying needs of children of different types of ability, will be provided for the additional children who will be retained in school when the school-leaving age is raised?

Mr. ADAMSON

The attention of educations authorities in Scotland has been specifically directed to this matter in a circular letter issued on Friday last, a copy of which I am sending to the Noble Lady. The education authorities have been invited to confer with His Majesty's Inspectors of Schools with regard to the particular problems affecting their education areas, and notice has been given that a detailed statement of each education authority's proposals will be called for at a later date. Meantime, the problems involved are receiving the close consideration of the Scottish Education Department.

Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children between the ages of 12 and 15 in primary, advanced divisions, and secondary schools, respectively, at the date of the latest available returns; and the total number of children of these ages for whom he estimates that accommodation will have to be provided annually during the period 1st April, 1931, to 31st March, 1939, if the school-leaving age is raised at the date announced?

Mr. ADAMSON

At the end of the school year, 1927–28, the number of children between the ages of 12 and 15 in the schools was as follows:

In Primary Schools: 144,000, of whom 66,000 were in advanced divisions.

In Secondary Schools: 63,000, of whom 51,000 were in secondary departments (including advanced divisions).

The number of children between these ages for whom it is estimated that accommodation will be required in each year between 1st April, 1931, and 31st March, 1939 (the school-leaving age being raised at the former date), is as follows:

1931–32 258,000
1932–33 279,000
1933–34 297,000
1934–35 288,000
1935–36 275,000
1936–37 262,000
1937–38 255,000
1938–39 247,000