HC Deb 19 January 1982 vol 16 cc142-3
8. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what criteria he uses to determine the standards of education achieved in schools.

Sir Keith Joseph

I take into account not only statistical information on the performance of pupils, but also informed opinion, both national and local, and advice from Her Majesty's Inspectorate.

Mr. McCrindle

I endorse the Government's desire to improve education standards, but will my right hon. Friend confirm that the necessity for the reduction in book supplies by some education authorities and the inability to repair and maintain buildings by others does not stand in the way of achieving the improvement in standards to which he and I would both subscribe?

Sir Keith Joseph

I do not think that they stand in the way, but it is an advantage if local authorities can so conduct their affairs, including their negotiations, that they have the resources allowed for in the recent allocation to improve book provision and to make some headway with maintenance.

Mr. Spearing

Does the Secretary of Sate agree that there is a fundamental difference between standards of education and standards of measurable scholastic attainment? As the Government place so much emphasis on the latter, particularly on O-level and CSE results, what is he doing about measuring the former?

Sir Keith Joseph

I think that in all our statements we provide that, so far as is practicable, assessment should go far wider than examination results, although they are an indispensable ingredient.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, instead of paying too much attention to merging CSE and O-level examinations, he would do well to encourage schools and others in education to find ways of giving proficiency tests to those not expected to pass CSE or O-level examinations, as they could probably gain most from having targets set for them?

Sir Keith Joseph

I agree with my hon. Friend that the substantial percentage of pupils who are not particularly academically inclined are not at present receiving a fair deal. In collaboration with the education authorities and the teachers the Government will do all that lies in their power to help to improve the deal that those pupils receive.

Mr. Dobson

Besides relying on his own elitist Old Harrovian prejudices, of which he is usually so proud, will the Secretary of State guarantee not to interfere with the independence of Her Majesty's Inspectorate's assessment of educational standards and that its report will be published this year, as it was last year, and soon?

Sir Keith Joseph

I make no apology for a prejudice in favour of a better deal for those receiving the least benefit from our school services at present, despite the efforts of a large number of devoted and effective teachers. The inspectorate's report is not yet complete. I shall make a decision about its publication when I have seen it.