Schools which become specialists in design or technology will not be able to select pupils just because they are good in these areas.

But existing design or technology schools and some other specialists will continue to be able to select up to 10% of pupils in this way.

A report by MPs had called for all selection by aptitude to be scrapped.

SELECTION BY 'APTITUDE' Specialist schools which can select 10% of pupils: performing arts, sports, music, modern languages and existing technology schools Specialist schools which cannot select: maths, science, engineering, business and enterprise, humanities and future technology schools Over 60% of English secondary schools are specialists Only 6% of specialist schools use their power to select by aptitude

The Commons education select committee had said there was no difference between that approach and selection by academic ability.

Announcing the change, Mr Clarke said: "We intend to prohibit new aptitude selection in design and/or information technology but allow schools already using such selection to continue to do so.

"We do not intend to introduce aptitude selection in any other area."

Just under 2,000 of England's 3,500 or so secondary schools have gained specialist status, with the rest due to follow by 2008.

But only about 6% of existing specialist schools which can select by aptitude have chosen to use the power.

The committee of MPs said there was no difference between selecting by aptitude or by academic ability.

But Mr Clarke disputed that: "The schools adjudicator takes the view that it is possible to assess aptitude - rather than academic ability - in subject areas such as sport, the visual and performing arts and languages.

"We believe there is general acceptance that such a distinction is possible and will continue to allow admission authorities that wish to do so to select up to 10% of pupils in these subjects."

'Disappointed'

Last month, Mr Clarke said the government would move steadily away from selection. And in its five-year plan for education, in July, the government promised that it would not extend selection.

Head teachers' and teachers' groups have attacked the education secretary for not scrapping selection on aptitude altogether.

The general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association John Dunford said: "Selection by aptitude is an inexact science and is little more than a euphemism for selection by ability.

"It has the potential to distort an already complex admissions system and SHA looked for a stronger response from the secretary of state.

"We do not want a secondary school system in which the pecking order of schools is accentuated by selection on aptitude."

'Minefield'

The National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations said the changes might make it even more difficult for parents choosing schools.

A spokeswoman said: "It's like working your way through a minefield."

Shadow education secretary Tim Collins said Labour were "all talk" on the issue of selection.

"Once again Labour have chosen to accommodate the prejudices of their backbenchers rather than deliver the prime minister's rhetoric on school freedom and higher standards.

�It is now quite clear that schools will only be set free to select their pupils under the next Conservative government."