Written question asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 October 2009. It was answered by Iain Wright (Labour) on Monday, 19 October 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

European Schools

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he is taking to encourage the development and modernisation of the network of European schools in respect of their (a) governance, (b) finance and (c) pedagogy, with reference both to (i) actions within the UK and (ii) by seeking international agreement.

Answer: At international level the UK actively engages in discussions at the European Schools Board of Governors to develop and modernise the system. Steps currently being taken include:"(a) giving the 14 European Schools greater autonomy and control of their budgets;""(b) establishing a method to achieve a fairer distribution among member states of the cost of seconding teachers; and""(c) an evaluation of the European Baccalaureate."Within the UK, work is ongoing with interested parties to explore the possibility of the European School of Culham becoming an Academy and moving into the English national system.

Secondary information