§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the issues raised in "School Effect: A Study of Multi-racial Comprehensives" produced by the Policy Studies Institute and the University of Lancaster, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Alan HowarthThis study is based on research which followed the progress of 3,000 pupils in 20 urban comprehensives, starting in 1981. The research found striking differences between the schools surveyed in what they did and how they did it. The level of achievement of pupils of similar abilities, regardless of their ethnic or social background, varied markedly according to the school they attended.
This study reinforces the Government's determination to press ahead with the implementation of the national curriculum and with the arrangements for assessment and testing so that every child can have the best possible start in life. The study also suggested some profitable further lines of inquiry and my right hon. Friend is considering how best to pursue these.