§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the retention of sixth forms in schools, with particular reference to sixth forms with substantial numbers and a high proportion of young people undertaking two-year courses leading to examinations at the advanced general certificate of education level.
§ Mr. DunnUnder the Education Act 1980 local education authorities are free to propose any pattern of school, including sixth form, organisation they may choose. My right hon. Friend considers such proposals on their merits: in doing so he takes account amongst other things of numbers, the range and diversity of the curriculum and the quality of examination results.