Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks:
The UK Government ensures that all schools in the UK (1) ______ certain standards, and this includes independent schools as well as those that are (2) ______ by the Government. All qualifications are awarded by national agencies accredited by the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA), (3) ______ the quality of the qualifications you will gain is guaranteed. At many independent schools in England, you will be encouraged to take part (4) ______ extracurricular activities to develop your hobbies and learn new skills, and you may be encouraged to take graded music exams (5) ______ by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. The exam grades gained from these are widely accepted toward university entry requirements.

The UK Government ensures that all schools in the UK (1) ______ certain standards, ..................