§ 56. Mr. Riddickasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the current take-up of places in the assisted places scheme; and if he has any plans to expand the scheme.
§ Mr. DunnYes. In the academic year 1986–87 nearly 98 per cent. of places available for entry to the assisted places scheme at ages 11, 12 or 13 were filled.
This Government have committed themselves to an eventual target of 35,000 assisted places in England and Wales. Independent secondary schools in England have been invited to say whether they would wish to join the scheme at some future date or to take up additional places 634W if they are already participants. New schools wishing to join the scheme will be expected to satisfy the same criteria as existing participants.