To ask the Secretary of State for Education what consideration he has given to the effect of Ofqual's decision to remove the Speaking and Listening Assessment from GCSE English and GCSE English Language on the attainment of (a) pupils with special educational needs, (b) pupils with speech, language and communication needs, (c) pupils with dyslexia and (d) children considered to be from more deprived backgrounds.

The assessment of speaking and listening has not been removed from GCSE English and English Language. Students' speaking and listening skills will be reported separately on the GCSE certificate alongside the GCSE grade, giving a more detailed picture of students' achievements than under the previous arrangements.

Ofqual has published an equality impact assessment of this change, which can be viewed at:

http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/2013-04-25-equality-analysis-changes-to-gcse-english.pdf

A copy of this document has been placed in the House Library.