General Studies A-Level

HC Deb 20 July 1993 vol 229 cc107-8W

Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the future of the general studies A-level examination; how many students have passed this examination for each of the past 10 years; and how many students there were whose qualifications to enter university included the general studies A-level for the same period.

Mr. Robin Squire

The future of individual GCE A-level syllabuses is a matter for the GCE examination boards to decide, in consultation with the School Examinations and Assessment Council. Information about the numbers entering universities with general studies GCE A-level is not held centrally. The Department estimates that in 1982 approximately 27, 000 candidates achieved a pass at general studies GCE A-level and figures published by SEAC show that in 1991, 52, 085, and in 1992, 53, 724 candidates achieved passes in this subject.