§ Mr. Alan Howarthasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the Government's intentions with regard to advanced supplementary level examinations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe White Paper "Better Schools" (Cmnd. 9469), published yesterday, announces the Government's decision that advanced supplementary (AS) level examinations should be introduced on broadly the lines proposed in the consultative paper of May 1984, with adjustments to take account of comments received on those proposals. The first courses will begin in September 1987, and the first examinations will be held in summer 1989.
I am writing to the chairman of the Secondary Examinations Council setting out the background to the Government's decision and giving more details of it; and to the convenor of the GCE boards inviting the boards to prepare syllabuses in consultation with those concerned. Copies of my letters will be placed in the Library.