HC Deb 08 February 2002 vol 379 cc1223-4W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children who(a) did not gain any GSCEs and (b) gained fewer than 5 A*-C GCSEs were in care in each of the years (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99, (iv) 1990–2000 and (v) 2000–01. [32847]

Jacqui Smith

I have been asked to reply.

Educational achievements of children looked after by local councils have only been collected by the Department since 1 April 1999. These data relate to the educational achievements of children leaving care aged 16 or over.

Number of children who ceased to be looked after during the years ending 31 March 2000 and 2001, aged 16 and over, by level of qualifications achieved
England
Year ending 31 March:
2000 2001
Number with
No GCSE passes 4,900 4,200
Fewer than 5 GCSE passes at grade A*-C 5,530 6,200
Percentage with
No GCSE passes 71 64
Fewer than 5 GCSE passes at grade A*-C 96 95