§ 27. Mr. HopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress made in developing education action zones. [43783]
§ Mr. ByersThe Department has now completed its round of visits to those proposals that are candidates for the 12 education action zones to start in September 1998 and the 13 to start in January 1999. We expect to make an announcement later this month.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the potential of education action zones for raising standards in deprived areas. [43952]
§ Mr. ByersEducation Action Zones are a key part of the Government's strategy to drive up standards in schools. They will allow groups of schools in deprived areas to work in partnership with others to provide a better education for their pupils. They will test new ways of delivering that service.