HL Deb 13 November 2001 vol 628 cc74-5WA
Lord Rotherwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many schools wishing to become specialist schools are in the process of raising £50,000. [HL1165]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

This information is not available. During 2001 we have received specialist school applications from a total of 288 schools. All of these were supported by sponsorship.

Lord Rotherwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many teacher vacancies there are in specialist schools. [HL1166]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

This information is not collected centrally.

Lord Rotherwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the further 79 schools announced on 21 June (HC, Col. 196) have managed to raise their £50,000. [HL1167]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

Yes. One of the conditions for a successful application is that a school has raised £50,000 sponsorship.

Lord Rotherwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any schools have been debarred from specialist status because they have been unable to raise £50,000; and if so, how many. [HL1164]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

Raising £50,000 sponsorship is part of the process of becoming a specialist school. Sponsors can contribute to the development of specialist schools in a range of ways, including through the contribution they make in partnership with government to the initial capital costs of equipping the school to enhance teaching in specialist subjects; in providing work experience opportunities to pupils and teachers; and in encouraging a culture of enterprise in the direction and management of the school. The main challenge of becoming a specialist school is in submitting a rigorous development plan to extend opportunities and raise standards through a focus on the specialism. Raising sponsorship is more difficult for some schools than others but we grant-aid the Technology Colleges Trust and Youth Sport Trust to help ensure that all schools have the opportunity to meet the requirements.