THE proportion of pupils attending independent schools has fallen by a ninth in the last decade but has remained constant since Labour came to power.
In 1991, 6.8 per cent of pupils of compulsory school age attended independent schools, but by 1996 this had fallen to 6 per cent. Now ministers hope that by raising standards in state schools they can encourage parents not to opt-out. <> However, despite the abolition of the assisted places scheme in 1997, the proportion of children going to independent schools remained at 6 per cent between 1996 and 2000.
Estelle Morris, the schools minister, revealed the figures in response to a question from Conservative MP Graham Brady.
Compiled by Jon Slater from Hansard. PQs can be found at www.parliament.uk
