§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of school pupils in Shropshire achieved five or more GCSEs in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [157600]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe percentage of pupils in Shropshire who gained five or more GCSEs (or GNVQ equivalents) at grades A*-C are shown in the table:
Percentage 1996–97 — 1997–98 53.3 1998–99 55.4 1999–2000 56.4 The figures show that there has been an increase of 3.1 percentage points since 1997–98 and that Shropshire has already achieved the national target of 50 per cent. by 2002.