§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are in place to raise literacy standards among 14-year-old boys in Northern Ireland. [137671]
§ Jane KennedyLiteracy standards among Key Stage 3 pupils are steadily improving and are currently at their highest ever. The literacy strategy element of the School Improvement Programme is particularly aimed at raising standards among all underachieving pupils, including boys, and this improvement reflects the contribution made by all education partners to its delivery. Specific guidance has been given to schools on maximising the performance of boys, particularly in literacy.