HC Deb 27 June 2001 vol 370 c108W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on her policy towards middle schools. [800]

Mr. Timms

The Government's view remains that the relative merits of three and two-tier systems of school organisation are a matter for local discussion and determination. Schools should be organised in a way which supports the delivery of the highest possible standards of education and which also reflects parental preference. Local education authorities and school governing bodies, rather than central Government, are best placed to decide on which pattern of provision is most effective for their area.