§ Mr. Michael BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the key targets for the financial year 1995–96 which have been set for the Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) defence agency. [36391]
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§ Mr. SoamesThe chief executive of Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) has been set the following key targets for 1995–96, the agency's fifth year of operation:
- 1. Maintain percentage of pupils gaining A to C grades in five or more subjects at GCSE at not less than 45 per cent.
- 2. Maintain the 'A' level pass rate at grades A to E at 84 per cent. whilst increasing the proportion in grades A to C to 50 per cent.
- 3. Achieve an overall pass rate for BTEC first diploma of 85 per cent.
- 4. For standard attainment tasks and tests (SATs) at ages 7, 11 and 14 achieve a position for the agency in the top 25 per cent. of published national league tables.
- 5. Improved efficiency to the value of 2.5 per cent. of net expenditure for 1995–96 as set out in the agency's efficiency plan.
- 6. For all children in key stage 2, by 31 March 1996 every school to have an educationally sound programme of contact with a host nation and/or partner school or community with predetermined educational objectives appropriate to the age of the children.
- 7. Maintain the index of satisfaction with Service Children's Schools within the army wives continuous attitude survey at above 350.
- 8. Parental response surveys to be conducted in three spheres of education, results published and follow up action initiated, where necessary by 31 March 1996.
- 9. Introduce by 31 March 1996, and thereafter maintain, the new code of practice for assessing children's special educational needs set by the Department of Education.
- 10. Achieve charter mark status by 1 December 1995.