Elliott School: Playing Fields
Education
Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will use his powers under section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to prevent the sale of playing fields at Elliott School in Putney; and if he will make a statement.
Nick Gibb (Minister of State (Schools), Education; Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)
holding answer
School playing fields are protected by section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Schools and local authorities must obtain the Secretary of State's approval before they can dispose of their land. Applications to dispose of school playing fields must contain details of local consultation, are considered by the independent school playing fields advisory panel, and are approved only when it is demonstrated that the application meets published criteria. I am aware of an imminent application by Wandsworth LA to seek approval to dispose of part of its school site.
The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend Michael Gove, will consider the recommendation of the independent school playing fields advisory panel before making his final decision.