HL Deb 26 June 1990 vol 520 cc1607-8WA
Baroness Cox

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the annual figures for the surveys using National Foundation for Educational Research Test NS6 conducted in Northern Ireland since 1972 and, in view of the concerns arising from published results in Croydon and Kent, whether they will arrange for this test to be given to a representative sample of 11 year-old children so that the break in data which has occurred since 1972 may as far as practicable be rectified.

Baroness Blatch

The use of NFER test NS6 is a matter for individual local education authorities and schools.

Under the Education Reform Act 1988, my right honourable friend will however make provision, as part of the National Curriculum, for the assessment on a consistent basis of all pupils' attainment in English, including reading, at the ages of 7, 11, 14 and 16.