Education: Secondary Schools

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Monday 25th April 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

For primary schools, 87.8% got their preferred choice, and for secondary schools, 84.2% got their top choice.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton (Lab)]

My Lords, would the Minister care to ensure that in debate about the future role of local authorities the term “local authority control” is not used? Quite rightly, the Minister referred to local authority responsibility. I speak as somebody who was involved in the bruising business of discussing the allocation of schools as part of local authority planning. Will she ensure that local authorities are treated with the respect that they deserve and not accused of controlling?

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I am very happy to say that local authorities, schools and regional schools commissioners are all working very hard together to help ensure that where there is a lack of places, those places are provided. Of course, local authorities can also work collaboratively with existing schools to help set up new schools that come within their patch. I am very happy to say that local authorities are playing their part in what is an important issue for all parents and children in their area.