To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils eligible for free school meals achieved (a) one or more A to G grades, (b) three or more A to C grades and (c) three or more A grades at A-level in (i) 1980 and (ii) the most recent year for which records are available. (310370)

[holding answer 12 January 2010]: Pupil level data relating to free school meal eligibility were not collected as far back as 1980, therefore we have provided 2003.

Figures for 2003 are shown in the following table.

Figures for 2008 are shown in the following table.

Percentages indicated are of all students eligible for free school meals who were entered for at least one GCE/Applied GCE A level/Double Award in 2008.

The figures relate to 16 to 18-year-olds (age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August 2007) in maintained schools only who were eligible for free school meals when they were academic age 16. The figures do not include the achievement of students in further education sector colleges previously eligible for free school meals.