§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools have now approached his Department seeking advice on the possibility of obtaining grant-maintained status.
§ Mrs. RumboldTo date 79 schools have embarked on the process of applying for grant-maintained status and parents at 51 of them have voted in favour of proceeding with an application. My right hon. Friend has approved 32 and rejected nine applications for grant-maintained status. Decisions on the remaining applications will be taken on their merits in due course.