HC Deb 24 February 1993 vol 219 c613W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 17 February,Official Report, column 213, what criteria he will take into account in deciding whether to agree grant-maintained status to an existing indpendent school.

Mr. Forth

In reaching a decision, the Secretary of State will take account of a number of factors similar to those currently applied in respect of applications for new voluntary schools. These will include:

  1. (i) the school's ability to deliver the National Curriculum;
  2. (ii) the suitability of the premises;
  3. (iii) the need, including denominational need, for additional places in the maintained and grant-maintained sectors;
  4. (iv) whether the school will offer equal opportunities for girls and boys;
  5. (v) whether the Funding Authority supports the proposal.