§ 40. Mr. J. E. B. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the trend in the recruitment, 151W qualification and employment of mature students to the teaching profession; and whether he will make a statement about future prospects.
§ Mr. Edward Short8,200 non-graduate students aged 25 and over entered colleges of education in 1968, compared with 4,200 in 1965. I have asked local education authorities to give a measure of priority, in allocating posts, to immobile mature students leaving training. I am sure that mature entrants have a continuing and valuable part to play in the profession. The extent of the demand for them will depend partly upon the wishes of school authorities, partly upon the supply of younger candidates, and, importantly, on the rate of return of mature qualified women teachers.