Church Schools

Mr. Dunn
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.

Mr. Robin Squire
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.