§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list in the Official Report the proposed closures of grammar schools which have been refused by his Department since 1979, in each case stating the local education authority and year of decision.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many grammar schools have 376W (i) closed and (ii) merged as a result of falling school rolls in areas which have retained selection in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. DunnClosures of grammar schools in areas retaining selection, where the proposals were made solely as a result of falling school rolls, have arisen only where my right hon. Friend or his predecessor approved proposals for amalgamations. Since 1979 the number of grammar schools which have merged or will amalgamate as a result of approved proposals and determinations by local education authorities is as follows:
Number of grammar schools involved in mergers Year Number 1979 Nil 1980 2 1981 2 1982 5 1983 Nil 1984 6
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what study his Department has made of educational attainment in comprehensive school sixth forms in those areas which retain a selective secondary system; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if his Department has made any study of the impact of falling school rolls on educational provision in those areas which have retained grammar schools.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend keeps such matters under regular review. However, it is for local education authorities, in consultation with the governors of voluntary aided and special agreement schools, to take a view of the form and pattern of secondary education best suited to local circumstances and the preferences of parents.