§ 22. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that there is some inequality between examination boards in respect of the pass level for the General Certificate of Education; and if he will introduce arrangements which, while still retaining choice of studies, will ensure more uniformity in the standards required by these boards.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy right hon. Friend is aware that there is a possibility of divergencies. The Secondary School Examinations Council advises him on questions of examination policy and co-ordinates the standards of the nine approved examining bodies. He is sure that it will continue to do all in its power to ensure a reasonable degree of comparability.
§ Sir F. MedlicottHas my hon. Friend's attention been called to a case in which twenty-six pupils were examined by one board and all passed and the same twenty-six were examined by another board and all failed? In view of the vital importance of this examination to the later lives of these young people, is it not essential that we should have a greater approach to uniformity?
§ Sir E. BoyleI must tell my hon. Friend frankly that it has not so far proved possible to verify this story.