http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/59/section/4Education (Schools) Act 1997An Act to make provision for and in connection with the ending of the assisted places schemes in England and Wales and in Scotland.1997-07-31texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2015-07-01Expert Participation2007-04-01 41In sections 1 to 3—“assisted place”, in relation to the 1997-98 school year or any subsequent school year, means an assisted place provided under section 2(1);“the assisted places scheme” means the scheme operated by the Secretary of State under section 479 of the Education Act 1996;“former participating school” means a school in relation to which a participation agreement was in force immediately before the commencement of section 1 (including such an agreement under which the school had not yet begun to provide any assisted places);“participation agreement” means an agreement made by the Secretary of State with a school for the purposes of the assisted places scheme (including such an agreement as subsequently varied by the parties to it).2Except where the context otherwise requires, references in sections 2 and 3 to a school include the proprietors of the school and persons acting with their authority.3Sections 1 to 3 shall be construed as one with the Education Act 1996.1996 c. 56.