HC Deb 08 July 1986 vol 101 cc141-2W
81. Mr. Lilley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent the Education (Grants and Awards) Act has been used to assist in specific programmes to help low attainers in schools.

Mr. Chris Patten

At present education support grants are not being used to assist in specific programmes to help low attainers in schools although many ESG supported activities will benefit low attainers even though they are not specifically so targetted.

However the Government are funding three major research projects in mathematics on the needs of low attaining pupils in secondary schools at a cost of some £1 million. The lower attaining pupils' programme itself was set up in 1982 and provides for expenditure of about £3 million a year to be supported through the urban programme.

Mr. Dunn

My right hon. Friend considers all proposals for school closures and reorganisations which come before him on their individual merits, taking into account all the relevant educational social and financial factors. Circular 4/82 made clear my right hon. Friend's view that proposals should have regard to parental preference for maintaining opportunities for single-sex education in schools.