HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc760-1W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for what reason teachers in England are required to pass the national numeracy test before being qualified to teach. 15869]

Mr. Timms

Trainee teachers in England are required to pass the numeracy test to ensure that they have the necessary numeracy skills to carry out their professional roles effectively. In order to raise standards in schools and ensure that all children achieve their full potential, we need newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who possess these skills. Evidence from Ofsted has confirmed that the numeracy standards for a significant number of teachers in schools in England have not been good enough in the past.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for what reason teachers who have qualified in Scotland or Wales are allowed to teach in England without passing the national numeracy test. [5868]

Mr. Timms

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 5 July 2001,Official Report, column 299W.