To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of pupils in maintained schools were entered for individual science GCSE examinations in (a) biology, (b) chemistry and (c) physics in each year since 1992. (241892)

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what percentage of (a) maintained, (b) specialist science, (c) grammar and (d) independent schools offered triple science GCSE courses in physics, chemistry and biology in each year since 1992. (240800)

The Department does not hold information on which subjects are offered by schools. However, the Department aims to encourage all schools to make triple science available to all pupils who could benefit. The Learning and Skills Network is providing practical support and guidance to schools on triple science.

Specifically, by September 2008 all pupils achieving at least level 6+ at key stage 3 will be entitled to study triple science GCSE, for example through collaborative arrangements with other schools, further education colleges and universities; and all specialist science schools will offer triple science at least to all pupils achieving level 6+ at the end of key stage 3.

Furthermore, we will expect all engineering and technology colleges to offer triple science from September 2009; and all mathematics and computing colleges to offer triple science from September 2010.