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Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2002. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, in respect of how many schools each year (a) complaints and (b) reports of incorrect SATS results reached the QCA; in which local education authorities those complaints and reports occurred; and how the QCA dealt with these complaints. - Includes fact that figures for 2001 are available in the Standards Reports published by QCA and will be placed in the Library. Figures for 2002 will also be placed in the Library when available (Dep 03/350). (Holding answer 5 November 2002).
Answer

Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in respect of how many schools each year (a) complaints and (b) reports of incorrect SATS results reached the QCA; in which local education authorities those complaints and reports occurred; and how the QCA dealt with these complaints. [78772] Mr. Miliband: [holding answer 5 November 2002]: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) does not maintain a central log of volume or nature of correspondence. All correspondence received at QCA is responded to and dealt with by the relevant team or division. It is therefore not possible to give the figures requested without incurring disproportionate cost. The procedures for dealing with complaints fall within QCA's Customer Service Charter and are responded to within the 5-day turn-around time described in the charter. QCA replies to any general complaints under their Customer Service Charter. Where schools have concern about the quality of marking of their pupils' scripts and consider that they may have been awarded an incorrect level, a review of marking can be requested. The arrangements for seeking a review of marking are included in QCA's Schools' Guide, sent to schools each year. An application for a review of marking is considered by a panel of senior markers led by the Lead Chief Marker for the subject. Any re-marking that occurs as part of the review procedure is undertaken by a review or senior marker. The number of reviews of marking requested in 2002 is not yet available although early estimates have not shown any significant increase on previous years' figures. Figures for 2001 are available in the Standards Reports published by QCA and will be placed in the House of Commons Library. Figures for 2002 will also be placed in the Library when available.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
78772; 392 c386-7W;392 c406-7W
Session
2001-02
Subjects
Complaints Assessments Maladministration Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Local education authorities National curriculum tests Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk