HC Deb 01 February 1982 vol 17 c67W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make an assessment of the reasons for the superiority of examination results in Northern Ireland to those of Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

Analysis of examination results in Northern Ireland and Great Britain in recent years shows a slight superiority in Northern Ireland success rates but this is not statistically significant. In view of the unfavourable circumstances in parts of the Province, Northern Ireland schools can take pride in this highly creditable performance.