§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the estimated costs of testing at(a) key stage I, (b) key stage 2 and (c) key stage 3 in the current year. [33802]
§ Mr. ForthA comprehensive breakdown of costs by each key stage is not available. The Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority estimates the costs of developing national tests and tasks and supporting consistency in assessment to be some £34 million in the financial year 1995–96. In addition, the Department is supporting 60 per cent. of the estimated £8 million costs of auditing the marking of the tasks and tests for key stage I and 60 per cent. of the estimated £15 million costs of providing supply cover for teachers administering the tasks and tests at key stage I and the tasks only at key stages 2 and 3.