To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families with reference to the written ministerial statement of 13 November 2008, Official Report, columns 61-2WS, on secondary school improvement, what schools are classified as coasting in each local authority; and if he will make a statement. (303733)

The Gaining Ground strategy is locally driven. Local authorities were asked to identify schools in their area that might benefit from the support available. Schools were considered for the programme if their attainment was above 30 per cent. A*-C GCSEs including English and maths and their progression between key stage 2 (age 11) and key stage 4 (age 16) was below average with little improvement over at least three years. Local authorities also considered other criteria such as whether the school placed an equal emphasis on progression and attainment.