§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice he was given by the governors of Stratford school, Forest Gate, London E7 on the application for grant-maintained status.
§ Mr. EggarA majority of the governing body of Stratford school was opposed to grant-maintained status, and advised rejection of the application.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what the implications are for Newham council educational reorganisation and case for a secondary school in docklands of the decision to allow grant-maintained status to Stratford school, Forest Gate, London E7.
§ Mr. EggarThe first phase of Newham education authority's reorganisation was approved by the then Secretary of State in April 1990, some six months before any decision was made about Stratford school. The possible long-term need for a secondary school in the docklands development area was not a factor in the decision to give grant-maintained status to Stratford school. My right hon. and learned Friend will consider any proposal for a new school in docklands on its merits.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many hon. Members contacted him expressing support for the granting of grant-maintained status for Stratford school, Forest Gate, London E7.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the number of pupils at Stratford school, Forest Gate, London E7(a) before grant-maintained status was given and (b) at present; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarStratford school had 765 pupils in January 1990. I understand that there were 393 pupils on roll in January 1991. In March 1990 the school published proposals for the acquisition of grant-maintained status. These were approved in October 1990. The school will transfer to grant-maintained status on 1 April 1991.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will place in the Library copies of advice and memoranda from Her Majesty's inspectors of schools regarding the application for grant-maintained status in respect of Stratford school, Forest Gate, London E7;
233W(2) pursuant to his answer of 8 February, Official Report, column 257, if the advice from Her Majesty's inspector of schools was in favour of granting grant-maintained status to Stratford school, Forest Gate, London E7; and if he will make a statement.