HC Deb 25 June 1979 vol 969 c25W
Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he intends to take to encourage more pupils to stay on at school or enter full-time further education: and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

The Government will be glad to see more youngsters stay on in school or full-time in further education. I believe that the higher standards which we intend to promote throughout education may well encourage this to happen.

Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of special school leavers opt to stay on at school beyond 16 years and go into full-time further education.

Dr. Boyson

It is estimated that 16 per cent. of special school pupils stay on at school beyond the statutory leaving age. I regret that information on the destination of pupils leaving special schools is not collected by my Department.