§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to promote the 452W participation by schools in the tests for under-achievers which the associated examining board intends to carry out; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe tests in basic skills offered by the Associated Examining Board in arithmetic, from 1982, and in English and life skills, from this spring, are intended for pupils of a wide range of ability. My right hon. Friend does not promote tests offered by particular boards but the Secondary Examinations Council is aware of the tests to which my hon. Friend refers and will be monitoring them in the same way as other tests offered to pupils at the secondary stage.