§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the oral answer of 8 July 2004,Official Report, column 1022, if he will publish the guidance and regulations which require schools wishing to expand to take account of (a) the local situation, (b) other schools in the area, (c) the adjudicator and (d) other factors. [185598]
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§ Mr. Miliband[holding answer 20 July 2004]: The current statutory guidance to decision-makers and those wishing to publish proposals is available on the Department's website and hard copies are sent to interested parties on request. In deciding proposals for the expansion of schools, School Organisation Committees and Adjudicators are required to consider a range of factors including relevant local issues, the impact on neighbouring schools and the effect on standards in the area, though there is a "strong presumption" in favour of popular and successful schools being able to expand.
The Five Year Strategy document announced plans for a new fast track process to enable popular and successful schools to expand more quickly. We will consult on amendments to regulations, procedures and guidance in September. We intend that the decision on proposals will continue to be for the School Organisation Committee (SOC) or, where they cannot agree unanimously, the schools adjudicator. Decision-makers will continue to decide proposals on their merits, taking into account all relevant factors. The current strong presumption that proposals should be approved will be reinforced in revised guidance.