HC Deb 30 March 1993 vol 222 c154W
20. Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools in Essex have now opted out of local authority control; and if he will make a statement on Government policies to encourage further schools to seek grant-maintained status.

Mr. Forth

Thirty-three schools in Essex are today operating as self-governing grant-maintained schools. From Thursday that number will be 53, with three more approved for a later start. These figures, and the 34 further Essex schools with applications in the pipeline, demonstrate the appeal of self-government to parents. Provisions in the Education Bill will ease the path to GM status.

28. Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools have acquired grant-maintained status to date.

Mr. Forth

Four hundred and ninety one schools in England will be operating as self-governing grant-maintained schools on 1 April and a further 15 are approved for a later start.