HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 c477W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information he has received from the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority about the number and proportion of schools withdrawing from this year's key stage 2 pilot tests; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

The School Curriculum and Assessment Authority received a very favourable response from schools invited to take part in its technical and special educational needs pilot. Some 638 schools initially agreed to take part; 84 schools have subsequently withdrawn.

There was also an invitation to all schools to request copies of the key stage 2 test papers. Around three-quarters did so. There was no need for these schools to report whether they administered the tests.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools conducted 14-plus examinations in English and other subjects this year; how many refused to do so; what number of pupils and teachers were involved in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what information he has received from the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority about the proportion of schools at key stage 3(a) administering SATs in 1994 and (b) reporting the results; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what information he has received from the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority about the number of schools at key stage 3, which have (a) completed all 1994 SATs, (b) completed some 1994 SATs, (c) completed no 1994 SATs and (d) reported the results, where SATs have been taken; and if he will make a statement.

(3) what information he has received from the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority about the proportion of schools (a) administering this year's key stage 1 tests and (b) reporting the results; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

It is too early to say how many and what proportion of schools have and have not administered the key stage 1 and 3 tests. Early indications are that there has been significantly more testing in schools than last year.