HL Deb 04 November 1976 vol 376 cc1618-20WA
Lord HAMPTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) how many comprehensive schools there are at present; and
  2. (b) how many of these are for:—
    1. (i) 2,000 students or more;
    2. (ii) 1,500–1,99 students;
    3. (iii) 1,000–1,499 students;
    4. (iv) fewer than 1,000 students; and
  3. (c) in each case how many of these schools were purpose built.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION and SCIENCE (Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge)

There were 2,878 comprehensive schools in January 1976, their registered number of pupils being as follows: (i) 17 with more than 2,000 pupils; (ii) 230 with 1,501 to 2,000 pupils; (iii) 966 with 1,001 to 1,500 pupils; (iv) 1,665 with 1,000 or fewer pupils. There were also 509 middle schools deemed secondary, generally considered part of the comprehensive system, all with 1,000 or fewer pupils.

Comprehensive schools may be established in a variety of ways, in existing buildings, often with adaptation or extension or both, as well as in new purpose-built accommodation. Statistics about comprehensive schools are not recorded by the Department distinguished in this way and the information could be obtained only by a special analysis of individual project records.

House adjourned at eleven minutes past midnight.