Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 September 2004. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 16 September 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, what representations he has received on changes in the academic standard of (a) GCSE and (b) A levels; and what research he has commissioned into changes in the academic standard of each.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received on changes in the academic standard of (a) GCSE and (b) A levels; and what research he has commissioned into changes in the academic standard of each. [188812] Mr. Miliband: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is the body with statutory responsibility for ensuring that the standards of GCSE and A level qualifications are maintained over time. QCA has a rolling programme of standards reviews, which began in 1997. The reports are available on the QCA website. Following the 2002 Inquiry into A Level Standards, QCA has also appointed an independent panel to advise it publicly on whether or not standards are being maintained. They will report for the first time in the autumn.

Secondary information