To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the percentage change was between 2002 and 2003 in the number of pupils attaining A* and A grades in all GCSE subjects; and if he will make a statement. [128554]
It is not possible at this stage to calculate numbers of 15 year-old pupils achieving GCSEs, how many GCSEs they achieved or at what grade. This information can be made available on a provisional basis in late October.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the equivalent GCSE grades represented by a GNVQ intermediate full award are at (a) distinction, (b) merit and (c) pass; and if he will make a statement. [128552]
The contribution to the average GCSE/GNVQ point score is shown in the table below:
| Grade | Points | Points per GCSE equivalent |
| Distinction | 30 | 7.5 |
| Merit | 24 | 6 |
| Pass | 20 | 5 |
(c) other secondary schools and (d) special schools in each year since 1988; how many of these exclusions were taken to appeal; and how many of these exclusions were successfully overturned by an appeals panel. [127901]
The available information, shown in the table, relates to permanent exclusions from 1995/96 onward.Points awarded for GCSEs range from 8 for a grade A
* to 1 for a grade G. A GNVQ intermediate full award is the equivalent of 4 grades A* -C at GCSE, regardless of whether a distinction, merit or pass is achieved.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has established this equivalence.