§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the cost of the Fast Track teacher recruiting programme for each year from 2001–02 to 2005–06; and if he will make a statement. [156696]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Fast Track teaching programme is a long-term investment in developing effective leadership in schools; it is not primarily a recruitment programme. So far this year, applications are 19 per cent. higher than they were in the same period last year. The number of Fast Track teachers and trainees currently on the programme is more than double last year's number.
The cost of Fast Track for the years 2001–05 is shown in the table. Future budgets are subject to the current Spending Review.
£million 2000ߝ01 4.60 2001ߝ02 8.27 2002ߝ03 8.07 2003ߝ04 113.3 2004ߝ05 218.5 1Estimated end of year forecast 2Estimated,dependent on recruitment levels