Debates between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Watts during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Education: Secondary Schools

Debate between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Watts
Monday 25th April 2016

(8 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Portrait Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
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As I have said, the number of schools with excess pupils has gone down. Bigger is not necessarily worse, but I completely accept the noble Lord’s point that the transition from primary school to secondary school is particularly important. That is why a lot of primary schools collaborate with secondary schools in their area and give primary school pupils the chance to visit secondary schools so that they understand that transition. A lot of secondary schools are looking at how they can help their new intake of young people get used to that situation. A lot of work is being done, and a lot of that is school-to-school work, because it is well known that that is an issue for many children.

Lord Watts Portrait Lord Watts (Lab)
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My Lords, the Minister said that 90% of parents get one of their top three choices. What percentage get their first choice?

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Portrait Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
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For primary schools, 87.8% got their preferred choice, and for secondary schools, 84.2% got their top choice.