Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what safeguards will be put in place under the provisions of the White Paper ““Higher Standards, Better Schools for All””, to prevent a significant number of large failing schools being closed in the same area.
Answer
The proposals in the White Paper ““Higher Standards, Better Schools For All”” strengthen the intervention powers available to local authorities to tackle failing schools.Authorities are expected to consider the appropriate solution for a failing school in the light of the circumstances of the school. Under the White Paper's proposals they are expected to consider closure where a failing school is making inadequate progress after 12 months.However, authorities will retain the responsibility to secure the provision of school places and to promote high standards. Where there is a need for a new school either to replace an existing closing school or to meet population growth, the LA will be able to hold a competition and invite promoters to bring forward proposals for a new school.