HC Deb 19 July 1995 vol 263 cc1346-7W
Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the key targets for the financial year 1995–96 which have been set for the Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) defence agency. [36391]

Mr. Soames

The chief executive of Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) has been set the following key targets for 1995–96, the agency's fifth year of operation:

  1. 1. Maintain percentage of pupils gaining A to C grades in five or more subjects at GCSE at not less than 45 per cent.
  2. 2. Maintain the 'A' level pass rate at grades A to E at 84 per cent. whilst increasing the proportion in grades A to C to 50 per cent.
  3. 3. Achieve an overall pass rate for BTEC first diploma of 85 per cent.
  4. 4. For standard attainment tasks and tests (SATs) at ages 7, 11 and 14 achieve a position for the agency in the top 25 per cent. of published national league tables.
  5. 5. Improved efficiency to the value of 2.5 per cent. of net expenditure for 1995–96 as set out in the agency's efficiency plan.
  6. 6. For all children in key stage 2, by 31 March 1996 every school to have an educationally sound programme of contact with a host nation and/or partner school or community with predetermined educational objectives appropriate to the age of the children.
  7. 7. Maintain the index of satisfaction with Service Children's Schools within the army wives continuous attitude survey at above 350.
  8. 8. Parental response surveys to be conducted in three spheres of education, results published and follow up action initiated, where necessary by 31 March 1996.
  9. 9. Introduce by 31 March 1996, and thereafter maintain, the new code of practice for assessing children's special educational needs set by the Department of Education.
  10. 10. Achieve charter mark status by 1 December 1995.