§ Andrew SelousTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the eligibility criteria for specialist school status. [187703]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeAll maintained secondary schools in England are eligible to apply for specialist schools status. We lifted the funding cap in 2002 and expect all secondary schools to become specialist as and when they are ready. Specialist schools now account for 62 per cent. of maintained secondary schools. The eligibility criteria for specialist schools has been placed in the library.