Written question asked by Robert N Wareing (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 3 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 June 2008. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Secondary Education: Liverpool

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what discussions he has had in respect of secondary school provision in the Croxteth ward of the constituency of the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby; what plans his Department has to provide practical and financial assistance to establish a secondary school as a complement to the Emmaus Primary School; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: My noble Friend Lord Adonis has had discussions with representatives of the Emmaus Primary School, the local Catholic Diocese, and the local authority about developments in the Croxteth area of Liverpool. My Department has no plans to provide specific assistance to establish a secondary school in the area as a complement to the Emmaus Primary School. Proposals for schools with a religious character are made by the relevant faith bodies. We would expect the local authority to be the first port of call for any necessary capital funding, and that they will consider such investment as part of their overall strategy under the Building Schools for the Future initiative. Where in exceptional circumstances the local authority are genuinely unable to support worthwhile projects from their strategic capital funds, my Department has limited capital funding available to support new projects to increase standards and diversity.

Secondary information