To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils in receipt of free school meals gained three A grades at A-level in mainstream maintained schools in the last period for which figures are available. (185780)

The Department for Children, Schools and Families does not hold information on the achievement of pupils in receipt of free schools meals. Instead, the figures relating to pupils eligible for free school meals are given.

In 2006/07, 176 pupils eligible for free school meals in mainstream maintained schools achieved three A grades at A level. This was 3.9 per cent. of the pupils eligible for free school meals.

These figures relate to pupils aged 16 to 18, (age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August 2006), in all maintained mainstream schools including academies and city technology colleges.