HC Deb 10 March 1981 vol 1000 cc311-2W
Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report the total numbers of pupils in wholly public education, wholly private education, and fee.assisted education, distinguishing between primary and secondary and indicating the numbers in each sector in schools where the special factor is the religious denomination.

Dr. Boyson

Figures for the overall numbers of pupils in schools in England in January 1980, together with such information as is available in respect of denominational and fee.assisted pupils are as follows:

Total pupils Pupils in denominational schools included in total
(thousands) (thousands)
Maintained schools Nursery and primary 4,409 1,170
Secondary 3,866 641
Special 122
Non-maintained schools†
Total 536 not available
of which, supported by local education authorities and DES capitation grants 84 not available
Voluntary schools maintained by local education authorities.
†Direct grant and independent schools and non.maintained special schools.

Full information in the form requested is not routinely compiled by my Department. In particular, non. maintained schools are not normally sub.divided into primary and secondary categories nor by thrir denominational characteristics. Information about assistance with fees is available only for pupils who are supported by local education authorities and other pupils in direct grant grammar schools for whom capitation grants are paid by my Department.