§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps have been taken to increase parents' rights to choose a school for their child; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThis Government have done more than any other to increase parents' chances of getting the school they want for their child. Under the Education Act 1980, parents have the right to express a preference as to the school at which they want their child educated and, unless certain specified reliefs apply, that preference has to be met by the local education authority and governors concerned. The more open enrolment provisions of the Education Reform Act build on this solid foundation and, by taking account of the physical capacity of schools, will give to all parents an even better chance of getting the school that they want for their child.