HC Deb 01 May 1963 vol 676 c1053
11. Mr. Small

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of pupils left school in 1962 before completing the three-year secondary course; and how this compares with 1961 and 1960, respectively.

Mr. Noble

In the year ended 7th June, 1962, the percentage for public and grant-aided schools was 45.6. This compares with 45.4 per cent. and 44.4 per cent. in 1961 and 1960 respectively.

Mr. Small

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very high proportion and that it shows no improvement on the previous year? Has the right hon. Gentleman no advice to give to the local authorities to assist these pupils, of whom half the number fail to complete the course?

Mr. Noble

I agree that we should like to improve on these figures, but the proportion staying on has risen from 40 per cent. in the early 1950s to about 55 per cent. in 1960, and it has remained at that level for two years.