To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidelines he has issued on the admissions criteria for entry to voluntary controlled and voluntary aided Church schools; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend invited comments last December on a draft circular on school admissions. This stressed that admissions criteria for all maintained schools should be objective, clear and reasonable, and should give parents a good idea of the prospects of gaining a place for their child at their preferred school. My right hon. Friend is considering responses to the consultation.