§ Mr. NormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how the ballots of parents on the future of grammar schools will be triggered; [14938]
(2) if a minimum turnout threshold will be set for ballots on the future of grammar schools; [14966]
(3) how eligible parents will be defined in respect of ballots on the future of grammar schools. [14968]
§ Mr. ByersThe Department issued on 1 August a consultation letter setting out the principles of the government's approach in relation to ballots of parents on future admission arrangements for grammar schools, and inviting views on the issues arising and the procedures which might be adopted. The letter made clear that parental ballots will be triggered only where a petition seeking a ballot has been put forward by local parents. It sought views on which parents should be eligible to vote in ballots, and on the mechanism for conducting ballots. We have received some 1,100 responses to the consultation letter. These are currently being analysed. We shall announce as soon as possible our conclusions on the best way of carrying our proposals forward.