Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many secondary and sixth-form colleges there were in operation in England on 31st December, 1971; how this figure compares with those for 1969 and 1970; and how many of these colleges are open-ended in that entrance is not restricted to children with O levels or other academic qualifications.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThere were 13 sixth form colleges in England on 31st December, 1971 compared with nine and 12 in 1969 and 1970, respectively. With one exception, all the colleges are prepared to accept suitable applicants without G.C.E. "O" level or equivalent qualifications.