§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what definition he uses of a reasonable distance when determining access to a primary school. [124668]
§ Ms Estelle Morris[holding answer 5 June 2000]My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not determine access to primary schools for school admissions. School admission authorities may, however, use distance when determining how to allocate places if the school is oversubscribed. If a pupil is attending his or her nearest suitable school, and that school is beyond statutory walking distance, the local education authority must provide free transport. Statutory walking distances are two miles for pupils aged up to seven and three miles for those aged eight and over.