§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report on a yearly basis since 1973 (i) the number of pupils leaving school in England, (ii) the number of pupils leaving school in England after sitting the GEC A-level examinations, (iii) the number of students entering polytechnics, universities, and colleges of higher education, excluding those entering for teacher training and (iv) the number of students entering teacher training courses, excluding the postgraduate certificate, in polytechnics and colleges of higher education.
§ Dr. BoysonThe numbers of school leavers entering colleges of higher education are not distinguished separately from the numbers entering other further education establishments. The table below shows the numbers of leavers, the numbers who had attempted A-level examinations and the total numbers entering universities, polytechnics and all other further education establishments to follow degree courses, teacher training courses and all other courses at both advanced and advanced levels.
School leavers in England (Total) School leavers entering full-time Higher and Full-time education A-level year A-level leavers Leavers who had attempted A-level examinations Degree Course exc B.Ed Teacher Training College inc B.Ed Other Further Education Courses 1973–74 641.80 114.23 41.84 14.92 70.77 1974–75 651.71 115.01 42.90 13.41 83.65 1975–76 666.59 119.59 47.03 8.63 90.56 1976–77 707.51 126.21 49.33 5.58 98.24 1977–78 724.32 126.97 52.61 3.94 100.39 1978–79 (prov) 737.37 128.05 54.29 3.84 99.41