§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimates she has of the number of comprehensive schools in England having under 900 pupils which have a sixth form; and if she will list the dates on which these arrangements were approved by her Department.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonIn January 1977, the latest date for which information is available, there were 610 comprehensive schools in England with fewer than 900 pupils which had sixth forms. I regret that the information required to answer the second part of the Question could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how far, in assessing the desirability of establishing a sixth form in a comprehensive school, she has regard for the transport charges which fall upon parents of pupils required to travel to schools remote from their homes.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonIn considering a proposal to establish a sixth form, the Secretary of State has regard to all relevant factors. Provision of transport for post compulsory school aged children living more than three miles from the school is discretionary, but where children stay on into the sixth form most authorities continue to provide transport for those who have previously required it.