Written question asked by David Crausby (Labour) on Thursday, 4 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 November 1999. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what is the current proportion of 11 year olds achieving a reading age appropriate to their age (a) in the last year for which figures are available and (b) two years ago in (i) England, (ii) the North West Region and (iii) Bolton. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current proportion of 11 year olds achieving a reading age appropriate to their age (a) in the last year for which figures are available and (b) two years ago in (i) England, (ii) the North West Region and (iii) Bolton. [97909] Ms Estelle Morris: The Department does not currently collect data on pupils' reading age. The Department collects Key Stage 2 National Curriculum test results (for pupils aged 11 years old) in English, including the results of a reading test. The expected level of attainment of 11 year olds at the end of Key Stage 2 is level 4. The proportion of pupils achieving level 4 or above in the Key Stage 2 English reading tests was: in 1999: 81 per cent. for England, 81 per cent. for the North West Region and 81 per cent. for Bolton; in 1997: 67 per cent. for England, 66 per cent. for the North West Region and 67 per cent. for Bolton.

Secondary information