Skip to main content

English Language: GCSE

Volume 491: debated on Monday 27 April 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many adult learners have been entered for GCSE English (a) language and (b) literature examinations in each year since 1990. (269003)

Table 1 shows the number of achievements by adult learners in LSC-funded further education provision of GCSE English language and GCSE English literature in each academic year since 2003/04, the earliest year for which we have comparable information.

Table 1: Achievements by adults (aged 19+) in LSC-funded further education provision of GCSE English language and GCSE English literature, 2003/04 to 2007/08

Academic year

GCSE English language

GCSE English literature

Of which: achieving both

2003/04

8,770

220

70

2004/05

8,760

160

70

2005/06

8,440

110

40

2006/07

8,270

140

80

2007/08

7,520

80

60

Notes:

1. Age is based on age as at 31 August (academic age).

2. This information does not include learners studying GCSE English language or GCSE English literature in schools or higher education institutions.

3. Learners achieving both GCSE English language and GCSE English literature are included in both of the columns for these GCSEs and also the column for learners achieving both.

4. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Source:

FE ILR.

Awarding Body data on GCSE examination entries are analysed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families as part of the School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables publication. However, this work only covers qualifications entered for by 16 to 18-year-olds. Therefore, we do not have information readily available on adults being entered for GCSE English language and GCSE English literature examinations.

A GCSE may not necessarily be the most appropriate learning outcome for many learners and colleges have been encouraged to advise learners to study the most relevant qualification to them. Many learners who may previously have undertaken a GCSE in English now have their language needs picked up through embedded learning in other courses.

Over the past few years, the Government have prioritised investment in adult skills towards those courses that best provide individuals with the skills to enter into sustained employment and progress into further learning. This strategy has paid dividends with record levels of adults participating in Skills for Life (numeracy and literacy), full level 2 and full level 3 qualifications.