A questionnaire was issued to teenage pregnancy co-ordinators in each top-tier local authority in England, asking them to identify which secondary schools in their area provided on-site health services, which included advice on contraception and sexual health. Responses were received from 70 per cent. of local authorities. Within the local authorities that responded, 627 schools (29 per cent. of the sample) had on-site services. In addition, on-site services were being provided in 84 pupil referral units. Of the 627 schools providing on-site services, 17 were faith-based schools.
The Government support the provision of on-site services where schools have identified a need and where the scope of the service has been agreed by the school's Governing Body, following consultation with parents. On-site services provide young people with swift and easy access to health advice that survey evidence suggests they are reluctant to access through GPs or clinics.