Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 November 2005.

Northern Ireland: School Closures

Question: Further to the reply by the Lord Rooker on 10 November (Official Report, cols. 722–25), whether closures of small primary schools are dictated primarily by concern for educational standards in these schools or by financial constraints and conditions.

Answer: The department does not require (and has never sought) the closure of schools with financial deficit. The overriding factor is always to take the action that is in the best educational interests of the pupils. The focus remains on ensuring that schools are able to provide a high quality education in a cost-effective manner. Where there is evidence that the size of school is impacting adversely on the educational experience of pupils, however, school managing and funding authorities are expected to take appropriate action.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2332; 676 c47-8WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Northern Ireland: School Closures
Thursday, 10 November 2005
Oral questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: School Closures
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: School Closures
Tuesday, 20 December 2005
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Admissions Closures Finance Northern Ireland Primary education Standards
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk