HC Deb 29 June 1956 vol 555 cc76-7W
Lieut.-Colonel Cordeaux

asked the Minister of Education how many men and women students, respectively, were attending teachers' training colleges in England and Wales on 1st June, 1954, 1st June, 1955, and 1st June, 1956.

Sir D. Eccles

I have no figures for 1st June, but the following table shows the approximate numbers taking courses of initial training at training colleges in each of the last three academic years:

Academic year Men Women Total
1953–4 5,450 18,850 24,300
1954–5 5,600 19,300 24,900
1955–6 5,750 19,850 25,600

Lieut.-Colonel Cordeaux

asked the Minister of Education the average educational standards of men and women, respectively, who were accepted as students at teachers' training colleges in England and Wales during the past six months; and what variation there has been in the average standards of such men and women students, respectively, accepted during the past twelve months.

Sir D. Eccles

I do not know to what extent successful applicants have had qualifications above the minimum. Since there are more applicants this year than last, especially women, for about the same number of places, standards have probably risen.