To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils took A levels in two or more of (a) accounting, (b) art and design, (c) business studies, (d) communication studies, (e) dance, (f) design and technology, (g) drama and theatre studies, (h) film studies, (i) health and social care, (j) home economics, (k) information and communication technology, (l) leisure studies, (m) media studies, (n) music technology, (o) performance studies, (p) performing arts, (q) photography, (r) physical education, (s) sports studies and (t) travel and tourism in (i) maintained schools and (ii) independent schools in the latest period for which figures are available. (257300)

[holding answer 23 February 2009]: 26,483 pupils¹ in maintained schools² were entered for two or more GCSE/Applied A-levels in the listed subjects in 2007/08. The equivalent number in independent schools was 3,283.

¹ Pupils aged 16-18 at the start of the academic year.

² The figure for maintained schools does not include further education colleges.