§ 27. Mrs. McKennaTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on education in Northern Ireland. [12434]
§ Mr. WorthingtonEducation standards in Northern Ireland are generally good and are reflected in the level of participation in higher education, the standards achieved in GCE A level and GCSE and the levels achieved by 8,11 and 14-year-olds in the first year of statutory assessment in schools. These standards must, however, be improved if Northern Ireland is to compete successfully with the rest of Europe and plans are already being put in place to accelerate the rate of improvement. Particular priority will be given to measures to address underachievement which is a matter for concern in many schools.