Grant-maintained Schools (Hansard, 23 April 1991)

§ 16. Mr. Win Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he is considering regarding change of character of schools when approving grant-maintained status.

§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke
Schools may not propose a significant change of character in applying for GM status. Inevitably, however, they will wish in the course of time to assess whether their provision reflects local parent demand and changing circumstances. Where they decide to publish change of character proposals I will consider them and any objections on the merits of each case.

§ 17. Mr. Gill
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in Shropshire have applied for grant-maintained status.

§ Mr. Eggar
Three. Shropshire has one grant-maintained school. A further two schools have submitted applications which will reach my right hon. and learned Friend for decision shortly.

§ Mr. Harry Greenway
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate the number of grant-maintained status schools he expects to be operating from 18 September 1991 and 1992; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Eggar
The future number of grant-maintained schools in operation cannot be accurately predicted, but there are more schools seeking grant-maintained status now than ever before. For example, there are currently 80 schools with grant-maintained ballots pending. This time last year there were seven. In the last three months alone, 48 schools have voted to seek grant-maintained status.