HL Deb 16 September 2004 vol 664 cc203-4WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many schools have been closed, or listed for closure in (a) the past six months, and (b) the six months prior to that; and how many of these were schools for children with moderate learning disabilities. [HL4041]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Lord Filkin)

The numbers of maintained schools that closed during these periods are as follows:

Total maintained schools (including special schools) Total special schools for children with moderate learning difficulties
(a) Closed
1 February 2004–31 July 2004 17 0
(b) Closed
1 August 2003–31 January 2004 253 5

The department has been informed of the following numbers of school closures, decided during these periods but which will be implemented after 31 July 2004:

Total proposals for maintained schools (including special schools) Total proposals for special schools for children with moderate learning difficulties
(a) School closure proposals approved
1 February 2004– 31 July2004 114 7
(b) School closure proposals approved
1 August 2003– 31 January 2004 122 8

The figures in both tables include schools that have closed, or are closing, as a result of local school reorganisations, amalgamations and schools closing but reopening with a religious character.