To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many white (a) boys and (b) girls eligible for free school meals achieved three A grades at A-level in (i) 1980 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available. (310103)

[holding answer 11 January 2010]: Pupil level data on ethnicity and eligibility for free school meals were not collected as far back as 1980.

In 2008, 38 (4.2 per cent.) white British boys and 29 (2.6 per cent.) white British girls eligible for free school meals achieved three or more A grades at A-level. Percentages indicated are of white British students eligible for free school meals of the appropriate gender who were entered for at least one GCE/Applied GCE A level/Double Award in 2008.

The figures relate to 16-18 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.