§ 19. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied that employers recognise the CSE examination as an adequate measure of a school leaver's academic ability.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsMy impression is that the value of the Certificate of124W Science if she will make a statement about the level of grants to sixth formers, and students in further education colleges in the age group 16 to 19 years.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI am examining the present arrangements for the support of young people continuing their education beyond 16.
§ Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many county councils in England and Wales have sixth form or tertiary colleges;
(2) what is the number of children presently in sixth form or tertiary colleges; and what was the number in 1976, 1975, and 1974;
(3) what was the number of sixth form colleges in England and Wales in 1977, 1976, 1975 and 1974.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe numbers of sixth form colleges, and of pupils attending them, in the most recent years for which full information exists are as follows:
Secondary Education is well enough understood by most employers, who usualy accept that a CSE Grade 1 is equivalent to an O-level Grade A, B or C. But a minority of employers know little about the certificate and the standards represented by the five CSE grades.