The reality is that, in secondary schools, the majority of lessons in English, mathematics, science and modern foreign languages is set by ability. According to government statistics, 75 per cent of mathematics lessons are in sets, 63 per cent in science. Both figures increased 10 per cent between 1997 and 2002 and fell by the same amount by 2005. This rise and fall mirrors the fall and rise in choice of courses for secondary school students, especially 14- and 15-year-olds.