HC Deb 27 January 1997 vol 289 cc73-5W
Sir Wyn Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children(a) are currently assisted under the assistance places scheme and (b) have been assisted under the scheme since it began; and what assessment she has made of the educational attainment of children assisted to date. [12610]

Mrs. Gillan

The number of children holding assisted places in England in the current academic year 1996–97 is estimated to be some 34,000. Over 80,000 children have been helped since the scheme's inception in 1981.

The Department's annual surveys point to outstanding achievements by assisted pupils in GCSE and A-level examinations. Last year, assisted pupils recorded pass rates of nearly 97 per cent. at GCSE grades A* to C and over 95 per cent. at A-level; some pupils achieved 100 per cent. pass rates. Over 92 per cent. of assisted pupils went on to university and other institutions of further and higher education. In addition, recent independent research has shown that assisted pupils do better than those of similar ability in maintained schools. They take more A and AS levels and get better grades per subject.

Sir Wyn Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average parental income of children currently assisted under the assisted places scheme. [12609]

Mrs. Gillan

The average family income under the scheme is England in academic year 1995–96, the latest for which information is complete, was £10,820.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is her estimate of the Government's planned expenditure on the assisted places scheme for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02. [12743]

Mrs. Gillan

Planned expenditure on the scheme in England in 1997–98 is £140.5 million. Figures for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 will be published in the education and employment departmental report in March. Expenditure plans for 2000–01 and later years have not yet been made. Questions on the assisted places scheme in Scotland and Wales are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales.