§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Education how many secondary modern schools in the County of Northumberland prepare students for the General Certificate of Education; what percentage this is of the total secondary modern schools; and whether a uniform examination covers all such schools.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn 1959 20 out of 45, or 44 per cent., of secondary modern schools in Northumberland prepared candidates for the General Certificate of Education examination. Most of these candidates took the examination of the University of Durham Matriculation and School Examination Board. A number of secondary modern schools in this area also enter pupils for the Northern Counties School Certificate Examination, which is not a G.C.E. examination.
§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Education how many secondary modern schools in the County of Northumberland adopt a 13-plus examination for selection of students for grammar and/or technical schools.
§ Sir D. EcclesI understand that at all secondary modern schools in Northumberland there is opportunity for children aged about 13 to be examined for transfer to grammar and technical schools on the recommendation of the head teacher.