Written question asked by Adam Afriyie (Conservative) on Monday, 6 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 February 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 9 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Setting/Streaming

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures her Department has introduced since 1997 to promote setting and streaming in schools.

Answer: We have published case studies and research evidence to inform school practice on pupil grouping. Through our national strategies and gifted and talented programmes, we have issued guidance to schools to consider a range of ability grouping practices, which includes setting and streaming, to better meet the learning needs of pupils. As a result the evidence suggests that there are more young people taught in ability sets now, than in 1997.

Secondary information