Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to support the expansion of academic Sixth Form provision in Basildon.

Proposed changes to mainstream sixth form provision need to improve choice and attainment for all pupils and be able to demonstrate a clear need for additional post-16 places. Academies wishing to expand their sixth forms can do so by applying to the department to make a significant change. Maintained schools must follow the statutory process for making prescribed alterations. The department is not currently aware of any plans to expand academic sixth form provision in Basildon and has received no applications.