This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply has been placed in the House Library.
Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 27 April 2007:
Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for reply.
You asked what proportion of (a) mathematics, (b) English, (c) science and (d) all lessons (excluding PE lessons) inspected by Ofsted were recorded as (i) setted and (ii) banded in years (A) 7, (B) 8, (C) 9, (D) 10, (E) 11 and (F) overall in each year.
The tables attached show the percentage of lessons which were setted by ability, seen by inspectors during the academic years 1996/97 to 2002/03. Prior to 1996/97 inspectors were not required to record information about grouping and from 2002/03 records do not distinguish between setting and banding. Please note that the percentages do not add up to 100% as the data here do not include other categories that are counted. For example, groups formed by age and mixed ability have not been accounted for.
A copy of this reply has been sent to Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Schools, and will be placed in the Library of both Houses.