Written question asked by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 July 2010. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Monday, 4 October 2010 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Secondary Education: Oldham

Question: (2) when he expects to make an announcement on the future of Roman Catholic state secondary education in Oldham.

Answer: Under current legislation local authorities are responsible for planning and securing sufficient suitable maintained schools in their area. Where changes to existing schools are proposed a statutory process must be followed which is decided under established local decision-making arrangements. The proposal from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford to establish a new voluntary aided Roman Catholic secondary school in Oldham on 1 September 2012, to replace two closing Roman Catholic schools, was approved by the local authority on 23 March 2009.The Secretary of State's announcement on 6 August included allocation of capital for the proposed new Roman Catholic school in Oldham.

Secondary information