HC Deb 22 July 1991 vol 195 c348W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether results of the 1991 assessments of seven-year-olds will be collated in such a way that it will be possible to identify the class size and the age mix of classes with their results; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to him on 19 July 1991 at column302–3.

Mr. David Howell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from school governors concerning the conduct of standard assessment tests for seven-year-olds; and what measurements he has made of the effectiveness and value of these tests in relation to the time spent on them by teachings

Mr. Eggar

An extensive evaluation of the first national tests for seven-year-olds in English, mathematics and science is now taking place. The School Examinations and Assessment Council is gathering a range of qualitative and quantitiative information about the performance of the tests and Her Majesty's inspectorate have held a series of regional conferences to get reactions direct from teachers. The Department has also received a number of letters and reports from schools and governors, which will be taken into account as part of the evaluation.

The Government will come to a final view about the effectiveness of the 1991 tests and about the nature and coverage of the 1992 tests when the full evidence of this evaluation work is available in the autumn.