§ Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what powers an education authority has to prevent the governing body of a school increasing the number of places at that school above the standard number set by the education authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthUnder the Education Reform Act 1988, schools now have to plan to admit to at least a number which reflects the capacity of the school—the standard number. Where the LEA controls admissions, a school governing body may propose that the admissions limit be raised beyond the standard number. If the proposal is rejected by the LEA, the governing body may apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for an increase in the school's standard number.