HC Deb 06 March 2000 vol 345 cc490-1W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Queen Victoria School for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111758]

Dr. Moonie

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Queen Victoria School. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

Letter from Brian Raine to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence, about the targets for Queen Victoria School, as this falls within my area of responsibility being the Chief Executive of the Agency. It is pleasing to report that Queen Victoria School achieved all its Key Targets for 1998–99 and the results of that financial year's performance were included in the Annual Report and Accounts which were laid before Parliament on 26th July 1999. For your ease of reference, I am providing extract details of the Key Targets at Annex A. The Agency's Key Targets (KTs) are reviewed annually by the Board of HM Commissioners for the School and the Adjutant General's staff, to ensure targets are taut, realistic and demanding. No changes to the School's academic targets (KTs 1–3) are planned for the year 1999–2000, since these are considered sufficiently challenging by HM Commissioners, who have taken advice from HM inspectors. In line with the continuing drive for efficiency, the School's per capita rate which has remained largely unchanged fro 1999/2000, will be set at a lower and more challenging target for 2000/01. In addition the income generation target has been reviewed and a more challenging target is being proposed for 2000/01.

Key Targets Achieved for 1998/99 Target 1 Achieve a staying on rate at School for S4 to S5 of at least 68% based on a 3-year trend. This target was achieved in that 69% stayed on from S4 to S5. Target 2 Exceeded by 2% the average percentage pass rate for all Scottish presentations obtaining 5 or more Credit awards at Standard Grade. This target was achieved in that 34% attained at least 5 Credit awards at Standard Grade. The National average was 30%. Target 3 Achieve a percentage of the presentations at Higher Grade achieving A to C grade greater than or equal to the Scottish average based on a 3-year trend. Based on the last 3 years the School average was 69% which is the same as the National average: thus the target was achieved. Target 4 To achieve a pupil per capita cost of no more than £17,246 (at 1997/98 prices) by March 1999. 1997/98 target was £17,420. This target was achieved. The pupil per capita cost was £14,458. Target 5 To generate commercial income to the School of at least £20,000. This target was achieved. Commercial income of £22,984 was generated.