HC Deb 23 February 1995 vol 255 c293W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assistance she will give the governors of Feversham college in Bradford to submit a fresh application for voluntary-aided status; and what financial assistance is available to the college to make such an application.

Mr. Robin Squire

My right hon. Friend has assured the governors that officials will be available to advise them as they prepare a further application for voluntary-aided status. The Department does not make funding available to help promoters draw up proposals for voluntary-aided status.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Education on what grounds she rejected an application for voluntary-aided status by Feversham college in Bradford; when the application was submitted; how many meetings have since taken place between her officials and governors and others to discuss the application; on what dates her officials visited the college; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

I set out the reasons for the decision in my letter of 16 February to the hon. Member. The school accommodation does not meet the standards required of schools joining the maintained sector. My right hon. Friend was also not persuaded that the school was in a position to deliver the full national curriculum. We have made it clear, however, that we are ready to consider a fresh application from the promoters.

The promoters published their proposals on 26 March last year and submitted them to the Department on 10 May. Officials have since held one meeting with the governors and others, and visited the school on 23 June.