GCSE/GNVQ (Hansard, 10 September 2003)

§ Mr. Gibb
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the percentage change was between 2002 and 2003 in the number of pupils attaining A^* and A grades in all GCSE subjects; and if he will make a statement. [128554]

§ Mr. Miliband
It is not possible at this stage to calculate numbers of 15 year-old pupils achieving GCSEs, how many GCSEs they achieved or at what grade. This information can be made available on a provisional basis in late October.

§ Mr. Gibb
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the equivalent GCSE grades represented by a GNVQ intermediate full award are at(a) distinction, (b) merit and (c) pass; and if he will make a statement. [128552]

§ Mr. Miliband
The contribution to the average GCSE/GNVQ point score is shown in the table below:

Grade Points Points per GCSE equivalent

Distinction 30 7.5

Merit 24 6

Pass 20 5

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(c) other secondary schools and (d) special schools in each year since 1988; how many of these exclusions were taken to appeal; and how many of these exclusions were successfully overturned by an appeals panel. [127901]

§ Mr. Miliband
The available information, shown in the table, relates to permanent exclusions from 1995/96 onward.
Points awarded for GCSEs range from 8 for a grade A^* to 1 for a grade G. A GNVQ intermediate full award is the equivalent of 4 grades A^*-C at GCSE, regardless of whether a distinction, merit or pass is achieved.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has established this equivalence.

Grade	Points	Points per GCSE equivalent
Distinction	30	7.5
Merit	24	6
Pass	20	5