8(1)The Secretary of State may by order applying to maintained schools of any class or description vary any standard number that would otherwise apply by virtue of paragraph 1 or 2.
(2)Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) to (5), the Secretary of State may make a decision varying any standard number that would otherwise apply to an individual school by virtue of paragraph 1 or 2 or by virtue of any order made under sub-paragraph (1).
(3)A decision under sub-paragraph (2) increasing a standard number may be made on the application of the admission authority for the school or on an application made by the governing body or local education authority in accordance with section 93(7).
(4)A decision under sub-paragraph (2) reducing a standard number may only be made on the application of the admission authority for the school.
(5)A decision under sub-paragraph (2) is subject to the procedure provided for in paragraphs 9 and 10.