Higher Education

HC Deb 05 March 1991 vol 187 cc105-6W

Dr. Woodcock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of the United Kingdom population achieved higher education qualifications in the latest period for which figures are available; and what comparable information he has for France and Germany.

Mr. Alan Howarth

The requested information is given in the table.

Country	Year of Data	Higher education1 qualifications awarded per 100 of relevant age group2
	1988	33
United Kingdom3	1987	33
France4	1987	37
Germany	1987	22

Sources:

"Demographic Statistics 1990" Eurostat

"Education in OECD Countries 1987–88" OECD

1. International standard classifications of education (ISCED) level 3 incorporating sub-degree, first degree and post-graduate study.

2. The relevant age group is taken as the average single-year population in the group including 70 per cent. of new entrants at the start of the course. This is the standard OECD definition.

3. Includes estimated professional qualifications and nursing and paramedical qualifications gained at DH establishments. Excludes private sector.

4. Includes some sub-degree diplomas awarded on completion of the first two years of a first degree course.