§ 12. Dr. LadymanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills based on benchmark tables as defined in the autumn package, 2001, how many of Kent and Medway's grammar schools fall in the bottom quartile of performance expectations of schools; and how many would be expected to fall in that bottom quartile if they performed to the average level of grammar school performance. [64407]
§ Mr. MilibandThe benchmark tables allow comparisons between schools in a number of ways. On the basis of the percentage of pupils achieving 5+A*-C, none of the Kent and Medway grammar schools falls in the lower quartile for all schools. I am also aware of the research commissioned by my hon. Friend from Professor Jesson of the University of York, which argues that 17 of Kent and Medway's grammar schools fall in the bottom quartile of performance, seven more than Professor Jesson believes should be expected.