§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many looked-after children have obtained(a) no GCSEs, (b) one A-G GCSE, (c) five A-G GCSEs, (d) one A*-C GCSE and (e) five A*-C GCSEs in each year since 1997; and what target his Department has set for educational standards for looked-after children in each of those years. [78427]
§ Jacqui Smith. The Government has established the following national public service agreement targets.
Increase to 50 per cent. by 2000–01 the proportion of children leaving care aged 16 and over with a GCSE or GNVQ qualification; and to 75 per cent. by 2002–03.
Increase to 15 per cent. by 2003–04 the proportion of children leaving care aged 16 and over with five GCSEs at grade A*-C.
The number of children who ceased to be looked after in England during the years ending 31 March 2000 and 2001, aged 16 and over, by qualifications achieved is set out in the following table. Information is not available prior to March 2000.
937W
Children who ceased to be looked after during the years ending 31 March 2000 and 2001, aged 16 or over, by level of qualification achieved 2000 2001 No GCSEs 4,800 4,200 1 A*-G GCSE 2,000 2.400 5 A*-G GCSE 1,300 1.600 1 A*-C GCSE 890 1,100 5 A*-C GCSE 270 300 Total care leavers 6,800 6,600