§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what recent assessment she has made of the continental European system of advancement from year to year based on academic performance rather than age; [18262]
(2) what assessment she has made of the relative efficiency of teaching classes grouped by (a) age and (b) ability. [18263]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government support a flexible approach to pupil grouping, including setting by ability where appropriate. The White Paper "Schools—achieving success" emphasises the need to increase opportunities for all pupils to progress in line with their abilities. There will be more flexibility in future for younger gifted pupils to learn alongside older pupils.