§ 24. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about progress with the development of grant-maintained schools.
§ Mrs. RumboldTwenty schools have been incorporated as grant-maintained schools since September 1989. They are now experiencing the benefits of greater financial and administrative autonomy. They are proving popular with parents and pupils. I share their confidence in the future and expect them to take full advantage of the opportunities which grant-maintained status offers.
§ 91. Mr. DayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many grant-maintained schools are currently in operation; how many new approvals have been given; and how many schools are in the process of consultations with a view to obtaining grant-maintained status.
§ Mrs. RumboldTo date 86 schools have embarked on the process of applying for grant-maintained status and parents at 57 of them have so far voted in favour of proceeding with an application. My right hon. Friend has approved 32 of the 41 proposals which have so far reached him for decision. More secondary schools have now been approved for grant-maintained status than the number of secondary schools in half of English LEAs.