The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.
51.
Mr. Thornton
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence there is that mixed ability teaching in secondary schools is more satisfactory for the pupil than selection according to ability either within or between schools.
Dr. Boyson
Comparisons between or within schools are unsatisfactory because of the many variables involved. Her Majesty's inspectors have commented in detail on mixed ability teaching in their discussion paper "Mixed Ability Work in Comprehensive Schools" (HMSO, 1978).