§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the level of funding for general certificate of secondary education subjects in schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe Government are supporting the successful launch of the general certificate of secondary education with a massive injection of resources in the new financial year, building on the substantial sums already450W committed. In 1987–88 we are providing for spending in excess of £115 million to prepare teachers and to resource schools for the GCSE.
For the teachers, we have identified GCSE in-service training as a national priority and have provided for £15 million expenditure on this. We have given a further grant to the GCSE examining groups to fund the preparation of in-service training material. Moreover, the Government have planned for a continued improvement in the pupilteacher ratio, partly in recognition of the demands of GCSE.
For the schools, the Government are providing for £100 million expenditure on GCSE. In particular, this is to pay for the books, equipment and materials required for GCSE courses, and to pay for additional technical and clerical staff who can provide valuable help and support for teachers. Included within this sum is the specific support of £10 million expenditure, through education support grant, for GCSE books and equipment.
We will continue to monitor closely the introduction of GCSE. We have already promised to continue special funding in later years. No other examination has been so well endowed on its introduction.