HC Deb 21 March 1995 vol 257 c161W
17. Mr. Jacques Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools in Kent have been given grant-maintained status. [13258]

Mr. Robin Squire

There are currently 87 grant-maintained schools in Kent, the second highest total for any LEA area in England. A further five schools have applications approved or in the pipeline.

23. Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much she expects to be paid to grant-maintained schools in special purposes—VAT—grant in this financial year. [13265]

Mr. Robin Squire

This is primarily a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools. However, I understand that the agency's latest projected outturn expenditure on special purposes—VAT—grant this financial year is £16.4 million.

29. Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children are currently educated in grant-maintained schools in Kent; and if she will make a statement. [13271]

Mr. Robin Squire

We estimate that over 60,000 pupils in Kent are currently being educated in grant-maintained schools—the second highest total for any LEA area in England. That is clear evidence of the extent to which Kent parents have appreciated the benefits of grant-maintained status for their children's schools.