§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) applications and (b) successful applications from each region have been made in respect of the Independent/State School Partnership Grant Scheme (1999–2000). [100331]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe information requested is shown in the following table.
Applications for independent/state school partnerships grant in 1999–2000 Region Total number of applications1 Number of successful applications Percentage of successful applications2 North East 12 2 17 North West and Merseyside 36 6 17 Yorkshire and Humber 17 5 29 East Midlands 13 3 23 West Midlands 41 7 17 East of England 31 9 29 London 31 9 29 South East 44 8 18 South West 39 7 18 England 264 56 21 1 Applications were for one or two year grants, commencing in 1999–2000. 2 Successful applications as a percentage of total applications in the region.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to extend the Independent/State School Partnership Scheme beyond 2001. [100330]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisIndependent evaluation of the first year of the scheme was recently carried out by Leeds University School of Education. Their report reinforces our belief that partnerships are contributing to raising standards and increasing educational opportunities for the pupils and staff involved. We therefore intend to encourage independent and maintained schools to work in partnership beyond 2001.