§ Andrew SelousTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many middle school children there are in England and Wales; and what the basis is for his policy that middle schools cannot apply for specialist school status. [126750]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Department's figures show that there are 129,348 pupils in middle deemed secondary schools in England. There are no middle schools or specialist schools in Wales. Responsibility for schools in Wales has been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales.
Middle deemed secondary schools are eligible to apply for specialist school status as part of a joint application. One or more middle deemed secondary 752W schools can apply jointly to the programme with upper schools. From September 2003, three middle schools will be part of the programme.
We are currently reviewing the position of middle schools in relation to making solo applications to the programme.