Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to collect data about 'A' level grade variance in order to discover associations with such factors as socio-economic group, sex, previous academic performance and school type.

Main Topics:

Variables cover school type and sex, sex of pupil, year of examination, mental ability score, 'A' and 'O' level subjects, scores and examining board, socio-economic group of parents.

(A) Sample of 'A' levels for 1973: for all pupils at maintained secondary schools who sat at least two 'A' levels, one of which was academic (information was collected for academic subjects only)(B) Sample of 'A' levels for 1972, 1973 and 1974: self-determining sample of comprehensive schools and matching sample of grammar schools presenting candidates for at least two 'A' levels at their first attempt (information was collected for all 'A' levels taken by the pupil). Pupils' 'O' level results were also recorded (where available).

Compilation or synthesis of existing material