HC Deb 16 May 1988 vol 133 cc315-7W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) when the national curriculum will be introduced into secondary schools;

(2) when the first 14-year-old will be assessed.

Mrs. Rumbold

The implementation of the national curriculum depends on the passage of the Education Reform Bill now before Parliament and the making of subsequent statutory orders. However, my right hon. Friend is considering introducing attainment targets, programmes of study and related assessment arrangements for mathematics and science from September 1989 for pupils entering the third key stage of 12 to 14, with the first reports on results of assessments made publicly available for pupils starting the third key stage in 1990. On that basis the first reported assessment of 14-year-old pupils would be in summer 1993.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the syllabuses for the core and foundation subjects will be produced.

Mrs. Rumbold

The national curriculum will not prescribe syllabuses for core and other foundation subjects. As now, it will be for schools to choose their own syllabuses. However, my right hon. Friend expects to initiate the statutory consultations required by the Education Reform Bill, if passed, this autumn in respect of programmes of study for mathematics, science and, for primary pupils, English and technology, with a view to orders being made early in 1989.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate he has made of the impact of assessment on independent schools.

Mrs. Rumbold

No such estimate has been made, since independent schools will not be required to adopt the national curriculum and its assessment arrangements.