§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what studies have been conducted on the educational effect on schools of losing students to other schools under the assisted places scheme. [26430]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThere have been a number of independent studies on the assisted places scheme which caters for about 1 per cent. of the total secondary school population in England. None of the studies has demonstrated any significant adverse effect on educational provision in maintained schools which8W assisted pupils might otherwise have attended. On the contrary, the scheme helps to promote academic standards, choice and diversity; and it is the responsibility of maintained schools to seek the highest educational standards from and for their pupils.