Written question asked by Lord Ashcroft (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hill of Oareford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 February 2012.

Schools: Grammar Schools

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in relation to grammar school expansion, there is a limit as to where an annex to a grammar school can be situated; and, if not, whether they envisage a chain of grammar schools throughout the country, similar to the chains of academies.

Answer: Section 39 EIA 2006 and s104 SSFA effectively mean there can be no new maintained schools with selective admission arrangements and we have not proposed any changes to that legislation. The Academies Act 2010 only provides for existing grammar schools to convert to academy status and does not allow any new selective academies to be established. It is possible for an existing maintained grammar school or academy with selective arrangements to expand the number of places they offer, including by extending onto another site; split site schools are not a new concept. There are, however, limitations on expansion. It would have to be a continuation of the existing school.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14960; 735 c57WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Schools: Split Sites
Monday, 30 April 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Schools: Split Sites
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Grammar schools
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk