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24 Feb 2009 : Column 745W—continued

Proportion of candidates gaining each grade in A-level media/film/TV studies who were educated in the state and independent sectors, 2005-08
	Grade
Media/film/TV studies	A	B	C	D	E	Other	Total
2005
Number of candidates	2,670	5,840	7,083	4,280	1,261	333	21,467
Percentage educated in state sector	95	97	98	99	99	99	98
Percentage educated in independent sector	5	3	2	1	1	1	2
2006
Number of candidates	2,985	6,375	7,604	4,393	1,374	255	22,986
Percentage educated in state sector	95	97	98	98	99	99	97
Percentage educated in independent sector	5	3	2	2	1	1	3
2007
Number of candidates	3,151	6,867	7,694	4,151	1,202	248	23,313
Percentage educated in state sector	96	97	98	98	99	99	97
Percentage educated in independent sector	4	3	2	2	1	1	3
2008
Number of candidates	3,234	7,151	8,023	4,345	1,160	222	24,135
Percentage educated in state sector	95	97	98	98	98	100	97
Percentage educated in independent sector	5	3	2	2	2	0	3

24 Feb 2009 : Column 746W

Proportion of candidates gaining each grade in A-level communication studies who were educated in the state and independent sectors, 2005-08
	Grade
Communication studies	A	B	C	D	E	Other	Total
2005
Number of candidates	1,394	2,744	2,811	1,306	381	95	8,731
Percentage educated in state sector	96	98	99	99	99	100	98
Percentage educated in independent sector	4	2	1	1	1	0	2
2006
Number of candidates	1,471	3,065	3,073	1,458	422	98	9,587
Percentage educated in state sector	96	97	98	98	99	100	97
Percentage educated in independent sector	4	3	2	2	1	0	3
2007
Number of candidates	1,614	3,303	3,286	1,396	318	90	10,007
Percentage educated in state sector	96	97	98	98	98	99	97
Percentage educated in independent sector	4	3	2	2	2	1	3
2008
Number of candidates	1,484	3,188	3,280	1,297	306	82	9,637
Percentage educated in state sector	96	97	98	98	99	96	97
Percentage educated in independent sector	4	3	2	2	1	4	3

GCSE

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many students in receipt of free school meals took English literature GCSE in (a) 1997, (b) 2003 and (c) the latest year for which figures are available. [252600]

Sarah McCarthy-Fry [holding answer 29 January 2009]: It is not possible to provide figures for 1997, prior to 2002 data on pupil characteristics (including free school meal eligibility) was not matched to achievement and attainment data.

In 2003, in maintained schools in England, 56,723 (70 per cent.) pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year, who were eligible to receive free school meals attempted GCSE English literature.

In 2008, in maintained schools in England, 46,924 (63 per cent.) pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year, who were eligible to receive free school meals attempted GCSE English literature.

24 Feb 2009 : Column 747W

In 2003, 423,701 (86 per cent.) pupils (aged 15 at the start of the academic year) not eligible to receive free school meals attempted GCSE English literature in maintained schools.

In 2008, 421,095 (81 per cent.) pupils (aged 15 at the start of the academic year) not eligible to receive free school meals attempted GCSE English literature in maintained schools.

GCSE Mathematics

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many individuals gained mathematics GCSE at grade C or higher through passing equivalent tests or examinations in the last five years. [253396]

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: In 2008, GCE AS mathematics was the only other qualification that counted in departmental indicators as an equivalent pass in GCSE mathematics. 936 pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 achieved the equivalent of grade A*-C in GCE AS level mathematics.

Prior to 2008 only GCSE mathematics passes were included.

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