HC Deb 24 June 2003 vol 407 cc702-3W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will assess the effectiveness of Express Groups on pupil attainment in schools in former coalfields areas.[120125]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

This Department published a report on "Raising Attainment in the Former Coalfield Areas" on 29 May 2003. The report highlighted the positive effect of 'Express Groups' on pupil attainment in these areas, alongside a number of other strategies.

This Department is now considering how best to convey these findings to other schools in the former coalfield areas.