HC Deb 11 March 1965 vol 708 cc135-6W
61. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science approximately what percentage of students in England and Wales who achieve two A level passes do not apply for entrance into a university; and what percentage of those who do apply fail to obtain a place in any university in England and Wales.

Mr. Crosland

It is estimated that about 61,000 students achieved two or more A level passes in England and Wales in 1963–64, and 58,346 students applied for admission to universities in Great Britain in October, 1964, through the Universities Central Council on Admissions (which did not cover the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the London Medical and Dental Schools or some entrants to Scottish Universities). Of the applicants to the Central Council 78.6 per cent. reported that they had achieved two or more A level passes, and of these about 31 per cent. were not admitted and a further 7 per cent. withdrew.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the approximate number of children who have three or more A level passes at General Certificate of Education but who have failed to pass a foreign language at O level and have been unable to obtain admission to a university.

Mr. Crosland

This information is not available.