Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Rob Marris (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 19 May 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Academies (Feeder Schools)

Question: Building Schools for the Future money is welcome in Wolverhampton, and there is a proposal to have two academies there. It has been suggested that that money will not be made available in Wolverhampton unless it has those two academies. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that there is no link between the two and that Wolverhampton could have the money without two academies, if it so chose?

Answer: There is no requirement for academies in Wolverhampton as a condition of Building Schools for the Future money—we made that clear to the council and local Members of Parliament. There will be academies in Wolverhampton because the council is proposing them. It sees from results throughout the country that academies are a powerful way to raise standards, especially in areas that have had lower standards and where there is a need for new investment. We support academies in Wolverhampton but we will not impose them on Wolverhampton. The local council is proposing them and we will back its plans.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 476 c3
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Wolverhampton Academies Building schools for the future programme Parents Public participation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk