4.—(1) Where before 1st April 1999 the funding authority have published proposals under section 260 of the 1996 Act (proposals for change of character etc. to grant-maintained schools by funding authority) which have not been determined before 1st April 1999, sections 260(7) to (9) and section 261 of the 1996 Act shall continue to apply in relation to such proposals but–
(a)all such proposals shall require the approval of the Secretary of State (despite section 261(2)); and
(b)the Secretary of State shall consult the local education authority which maintains the school and the governing body of the school before taking any decision under section 261(3).
(2) Where before 1st April 1999 the funding authority have, under section 260 of the 1996 Act, submitted to the Secretary of State a copy of proposals for a school to cease to be an establishment which admits pupils of one sex only, section 552(3) of the 1996 Act (except for paragraph (b) and the words “or, as the case may be, the funding authority”) shall continue to apply in relation to such proposals.