First of all, we have for some time in Wales been emphasising the need to create parity of esteem between the academic and the vocational. Therefore, we should not make negative comparisons between BTECs and GCSEs. One is a vocational qualification; the other is more of an academic qualification. Schools will enter candidates for the appropriate exam according to what they feel they need, in terms of their future skills.

He asks about PISA. Well, we’ve seen GCSE results improve year after year—that is a good sign as far as PISA is concerned. We’ve seen improvements in subjects at A-level—that’s a good indication that PISA will improve in the future. We have, of course, new exams—we’ve made sure that they have been rolled out without great difficulty. We’ve taken the decision to postpone the introduction of the curriculum—that’s the right decision, and we know that teachers and professionals have supported that. And, of course, we are building schools all around Wales—schools that would not be built if he were in my position.