§ Sir Wyn RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he is likely to reach conclusions following consultation on "A Bright Future: Getting the Best for Every Pupil at School in Wales". [2213]
§ Mr. HagueComments were invited on how best to raise standards and make a success of the programme set out in "A Bright Future". Earlier today I indicated that the reaction has been heartening. It confirms that the achievements of higher standards in Welsh schools is both possible and necessary. There is a ready acceptance that targets for improvement should be set—school by school, as well as at the national level. I shall be publishing a commentary on all this shortly, to emphasise the significance of the programme and to affirm its contents.
In addition, "A Bright Future" consulted on a proposal that a specific target be set for Wales so that, by 2000, half of all individual 15-year-olds should get an A-C grade in each of GCSE mathematics, science, English or Welsh (first language). I can confirm this target. It will demand a significant uplift in performance annually; but even matching the progress of the last two years, in each of the next five would bring us within striking distance of the goal. It is important to measure the progress against a target expressing ambitions for what ought to be achieved. The target is for Wales as a whole, not for individual schools. I look to schools to set their own targets—where appropriate with the assistance of LEAs and others who can provide local support—to improve their performance year by year.
The independent school inspectorate is also working with schools to set new targets following inspections and it will monitor progress.