HC Deb 01 July 1986 vol 100 c475W
Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the progress being made in introducing the syllabi for the GCSE; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

The Secondary Examinations Council has approved 281 GCSE syllabuses, which virtually completes the programme for the approval of syllabuses. The examining groups have already circulated most of the approved versions and they will distribute the remainder as soon as possible.

The draft GCSE syllabuses, in schools since autumn 1985, and the GCSE national criteria, in schools for over a year, should have enabled teachers to make proper preparations for their new courses.