§ 29. Mr. SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has completed a review of the first year's GCSE examinations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have placed in the Libraries of both Houses copies of a report from the School Examinations and Assessment Council on the first GCSE courses and examinations, and the reply I have sent today. The report confirms that the GCSE is off to a good start, and identifies a number of areas where improvement is required. I look to the council to play a central role in effecting these improvements so that we can realise the full benefits of the GCSE.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on general certificate of secondary education examinations from parents over the past nine months.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend and I have received about 700 letters on GCSE since June 1987, from parents and other interested parties. The vast majority have been supportive of the principles behind the new examination.
§ 34. Mr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has inquired into the reasons for the delays by some boards in announcing general certificate of secondary education results; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe issuing of GCSE results is the responsibility of the independent GCSE examining groups. My right hon. Friend has made it clear to them that late results cannot be tolerated. The examining groups regret the delays that affected a small percentage of results in 1988, and have undertaken to review administrative arrangements and to take corrective measures to ensure that the problems do not recur.