Written question asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Monday, 9 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 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, if he will make a statement on the failure rate by those taking vocational A level assessments. - (Holding answer 23 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the failure rate by those taking vocational A-level assessments. [158247] Mr. Wicks: [holding answer 23 April 2001]: We are committed to ensuring that the new vocational A-level is as rigorous as the GCE A-level. However, responsibility for assessing the standards of qualifications rests with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and with the awarding body. QCA is meeting with all awarding bodies to review the outcome of the assessments and consider whether there are lessons to be learned.

Secondary information