§ 15. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many men and women are currently obtaining the teaching certificate each year; and if she will make a statement about its future status.
§ Mr. OakesAn estimated 4,100 men and 14,500 women will have obtained the non-graduate certificate in the 1976–77 academic year. The numbers have been declining each year since 1971, and this will continue. I told the House on 27th July that the last general entry to the certificate course will be in 1979–80. Its status for present holders and those obtaining it from training begun before then is not affected.
§ Mr. SmithIs the Minister aware that many unemployed teachers are finding their certificates of little or no use in obtaining employment outside education? Given the time span, is there not a case for phasing out this certificate sooner rather than later?
§ Mr. OakesMany colleges are running courses for such certificates and 1979–80 will he the earliest moment at which they can be phased out.
§ Mr. SpearingAre there not dangers in having all graduate recruitment for teachers, particularly if the graduates are recruited almost immmediately from college? How are we to get in schools people whose knowledge of life is sufficiently extensive to provide a reasonable educational background?
§ Mr. OakesThere are certain exemptions affecting mature students with specialised qualifications in business studies, music, craft, design and technology, and courses for them will continue until 1983–84.