Written question asked by Damian Green (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 2002. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 31 October 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, if he will set up an inquiry into the levels of cheating in national tests for 11 year olds.

Answer: Mr. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will set up an inquiry into the levels of cheating in national tests for 11-year-olds. [78377] Mr. Miliband: No. The QCA continues to keep its processes for detecting and investigating malpractice under review. QCA works closely with LEAs to investigate and monitor reported incidents. Anonymous complaints are recorded and monitored. QCA works very closely with LEA inspectors who conduct thorough checks throughout the test process. Investigations of malpractice can involve a review of scripts from a school, interviews with teachers, talking to children and drawing on advice from experts in the field depending upon the nature of the allegations. There has been no evidence presented to Government of widespread malpractice in the administration of the Key Stage 2 tests this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 78377; 391 c900-1W;391 c909W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Assessments Fraud Inquiries Misconduct Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Primary education
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk