§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has held with awarding bodies and examiners in connection with their setting, marking and grading activities this summer; what assessment he has made of the extent to which the new AS levels will be accommodated within their programme of work and staff availability; and if he will make a statement. [146058]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 22 January 2001]: A greater number of examiners is needed this summer, not least because we are in transition from the old A level qualifications to our new and widely welcomed reforms. The exact number of examiners needed will not be known until Easter, when entries have been made. The awarding bodies have already begun recruiting examiners. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is working with the awarding bodies to ensure that the system will deliver this summer's results on time. We are monitoring this work closely to confirm that all necessary steps have been taken. The Government are committed to maintaining a robust and effective public examination system.