Written question asked by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Monday, 28 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 July 2004. It was answered by Stephen Twigg (Labour) on Thursday, 1 July 2004 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 make a statement on reading attainment in primary schools. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on reading attainment in primary schools. [181611] Mr. Stephen Twigg: The National Literacy Strategy has transformed the teaching of reading in our primary schools. In 2003, 81 per cent. of 11-year-olds achieved the expected standard for their age compared to 67 per cent. in 1997. The report last year from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study found that England's 10-year-olds achieved the third highest standards of reading of all the participating countries.

Secondary information