HC Deb 19 April 1988 vol 131 cc389-90W
25. Mr. Jack Thompson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to increase the staying-on rate at the age of 16; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to increase the staying-on rate at the age of 16 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

As stated in the 1988 public expenditure White Paper, the Government wish to encourage greater participation in post-16 education and training. My right hon. Friend aims to raise the level of attainment of young people and to encourage a more positive attitude to continuing education and training. He considers that the examination reforms and new forms of provision already introduced, together with the curriculum and other school reforms proposed in the Education Reform Bill, will help to achieve this objective.

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