To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what marks were required in Key Stage 2 tests in (a) English and (b) mathematics to achieve a level (i) 4 and (ii) 5 in (A) 1999, (B) 2006, (C) 2007 and (D) 2008. (241851)

The National Assessment Agency (NAA) is responsible for administering national curriculum tests. The NAA has provided the following table of marks required in Key Stage 2 English and mathematics tests to achieve Level 4 and 5. NAA uses a range of statistical and judgmental procedures to ensure that the standards of performance required for the award of each level are maintained consistently from year to year. The content of each test changes every year, therefore different numbers of marks may be required in different years to achieve a certain level. Levels are anchored to the National Curriculum so that a level 4 achieved in one year represents the same level of performance as a level 4 achieved in any other year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families when he expects a decision to be made on a replacement contractor for next year's key stage tests; and if he will make a statement. (245440)

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) announced Edexcel as its preferred bidder for the one-year contract to deliver key stage 2 national curriculum tests for 2009 on 15 December 2008.