§ Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many objections he received to proposals to establish a sixth form at Cwmcarn grant-maintained school; how many of those objectives were from(a) individuals and (b) organisations; and if he will list those organisations; [8347]
(2) how many pupils are required at a school for it to be granted sixth form status; and what guidance on this his Department has issued; [8529]
(3) what consultations he undertook before granting Cwmcarn grant-maintained school sixth form status. [8354]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansEight objections were received to the published proposal of 15 January 1996, all of which were from organisations. They were:
- The former Gwent local education authority
- Risca comprehensive school
- Blackwood comprehensive school
- Pontllanfraith comprehensive school
- Oakdale comprehensive school
- Newbridge comprehensive school
- Gwent tertiary college
- Further Education Funding Council for Wales.
Each proposal is considered on its merits and in the light of guidance in Welsh Office circular 13/95, "The Supply of School Places", a copy of which is in the Library. No particular number of pupils is required for sixth form status. My. right hon. Friend is not required to undertake consultations on statutory proposals.
§ Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to publish the audited accounts of Cwmcarn grant-maintained school. [8348]
§ Mr. EvansMy right hon. Friend does not publish the audited accounts of grant-maintained schools. It is for the schools' governing bodies to ensure that the accounts are available at the school for inspection by any member of the public.