§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many students are currently under full-time teacher training in England, Scotland and Wales; and what is his estimate of the need for teacher training places in 1975, 1978, 1981 and 1984, respectively;
(2) what is his estimate of teacher training places in England, Scotland and Wales in the years 1975, 1978, 1981 and 1984, respectively, in each of the following categories: (a) nursery, (b) infant, (c) junior and (d) secondary, respectively.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe provisional figure for the current academic year of students attending full-time courses of initial training in England and Wales excluding those in colleges of education—technical—is approximately 112,000. It is estimated that some 107,000 to 108,000 places will be required in 1975. Training is not divided precisely into the four categories mentioned, but about 30 per cent. of the total will be required for students in the nursery, infant and infant-junior groups. Teacher supply policy for the later years is now under review. Teacher training in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what 158W is the number of mature students currently undergoing teacher training courses; and what proportion this represents of all students under teacher training;
(2) what is the departmental estimate of the number of mature students who will be under teacher training in 1978 and 1984.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe number for the current academic year is not yet available. In 1973–74 there were 22,122 students aged 25 and over, representing 19 per cent. of the total. It is not possible to estimate the corresponding numbers in future years.