HC Deb 05 June 1992 vol 208 cc648-9W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many applications from religious schools for voluntary-aided status over the last three years have been(a) granted and (b) refused; and if he will list the religious denomination of each such application, and of each application which is currently being considered.

Mr. Forth

The following table gives the information requested. (This excludes schools formed by the amalgamation of existing voluntary schools but includes applications for new voluntary aided schools where no independent school already existed.) There are no applications made within the last three years that are currently under consideration but following a judicial review my right hon. Friend is currently reconsidering an application made prior to June 1989 for the establishment of a Muslim voluntary-aided school.

Number of applications since June 1989 Number granted Number refused
Church of England 3 0 3
Church of England/Methodist 2 1 1
Roman Catholic 4 1 3
Jewish 4 2 2
Total 13 4 9

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the criteria he applies when considering applications from religious schools for voluntary-aided status; and what changes or modifications have been made in those criteria over the past three years.

Mr. Forth

In reaching a decision, my right hon. Friend takes account of a number of factors, including:

  1. (i) the need for additional places within the maintained sector;
  2. (ii) denominational need for a particular type of education;
  3. (iii) whether the LEA supports the proposals;
  4. (iv) suitability of premises;
  5. 649
  6. (v) the school's ability to deliver the National Curriculum.

No changes or modifications have been made to these criteria in the past three years.