General Certificate of Secondary Education

HC Deb 12 November 1985 vol 86 cc106-7W

Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement about the programme of preparation of teachers for the general certificate of secondary education.

Sir Keith Joseph

Preparations for the introduction of the GCSE, including the special programme of in-service training for GCSE teachers, are on course and proceeding to the timetable set for the introduction of the new examinations.

Under phase 1 of the special programme, the GCSE examing groups and the LEAs are currently making preparations for the later phases of the programmes: the in-service training seminars that will be conducted throughout 1986, beginning in January. Teacher's guides, prepared under the auspices of the Secondary Examination Council, will be distributed at the beginning of January to all GCSE teachers in readiness for these seminars; supporting videos will also be available for all schools and colleges.

The local authority associations have, however, made representations about the funding available to LEAs to meet the costs of the later phases of the special programme, during which first subject representatives (phase 2) and then all teachers (phase 3) will receive in-service training. At their request, and subject to the consent of Parliament, I have agreed to increase from 70 per cent. to 90 per cent. the rate of grant payable to LEAs towards the cost of providing cover for subject representatives attending phase 2 seminars. I have also considered their view that, whilst it is neither desirable nor practicable to provide cover for all the remaining teachers attending phase 3 seminars, it would be of help to LEAs in the organisation of these seminars if some resources were available to provide a limited amount of cover. Again, subject to the consent of Parliament, I am prepared to bring phase 3 seminars within the scope of the in-service teacher training grants scheme and thus to support expenditure of up to £2 million for teachers released to attend these seminars.

These changes, requested by the local authority associations, will I am sure be widely welcomed by LEAs and will be of help to them in their planning of the GCSE training programme.

The Department is issuing today a circular letter to LEAs informing them of these revised arrangements and giving advance notice of other elements for inclusion within the in-service teacher training grants scheme for the academic year 1986–87. It is my intention to lay new regulations before Parliament as soon as possible.