Written question asked by Mark Hoban (Conservative) on Monday, 27 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 June 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 4 July 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Literacy/Numeracy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what criteria are used to assess the functional literacy and numeracy of school leavers.

Answer: The national curriculum sets out a clear, full and statutory entitlement to learning for all pupils up to the age of 16. It determines the content of what will be taught and sets attainment targets for learning. The programmes of study set out what pupils should be taught in each subject at each key stage, and attainment targets set out the knowledge, skills and understanding which pupils of different abilities and maturities are expected to have by the end of each key stage. Functional literacy and numeracy skills are embedded in the English and mathematics programmes of study.At key stage 4 (ages 14–16) GCSE qualifications are the principle means of assessing attainment, including functional literacy and numeracy. The changes to the assessment of functional skills in English and maths GCSE, announced in the White Paper ““14–19 Education and Skills””, will ensure that no one can get a grade C or better in English and maths without mastering the functional elements.

Secondary information