Carmelo Abela, MLP spokesman on education, said it was not true that the reception class would be a repeat year. The concept, which in EU countries was yielding good results, had been developed by teachers and education experts.

Labour’s proposal did not mention any age. The proposal would be discussed with those involved in the sector and implemented after the necessary preparation, which meant that a number of years would have to pass before it could be brought in.

This would not be anything like the PN’s cluster proposal which had been evolved into a colleges idea with the Junior Lyceum examinations issue shelved, and all done without consulting the teachers. Mr Abela said that today the PN was still experimenting with its idea.

As for the examinations re-sits it was a study commissioned by the minister which said that these would no longer be held in September.

The report also mentioned a rise in fees for examinations and papers revision, and that has never been denied. Not only had there not been any denial but the minister had said he would be proposing that the measures would be implemented in 2008.