Technology Schools Initiative

HC Deb 26 June 1992 vol 210 c339W

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he intends to extend the technology schools initiative; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patten

I am delighted to confirm that we will be making a further round of allocations for 1993–94 under the technology schools initiative. We will be inviting capital bids in the circular letter to be issued to local education authorities shortly. Grant maintained schools will be invited to bid later in the summer. The first round of the initiative has proved very popular. We have made allocations to 100 schools to enhance their technology teaching and offer courses with a strong vocational emphasis. We will extend this network in 1993–94 by making further allocations to maintained schools with the potential for excellence in technology. We intend to foster diversity in schools: this round of the initiative will further increase the choices available to pupils and parents.