In 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 M1Education 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).

Except 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.

Sections 1 to 3 shall be construed as one with the Education Act 1996.