§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is in respect of applications by individuals and organisations to establish and maintain academies solely intended for gifted and talented pupils. [131227]
§ Mr. MilibandAcademies are a key element of the Government's drive to raise standards and increase the diversity of education provision in disadvantaged and challenging areas. All academy proposals that have been approved to date have been for all ability schools. Any future proposal to establish an academy solely intended for gifted and talented pupils would be treated on its merits, subject to the Government's commitment that there may be no increase in(a) grammar schools, and (b) selection at 11 (depending on best definition of policy).