§ Q14 Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Prime Minister what percentage of the age group she now expects to get two A-levels in 1985, 1990, and 1995, respectively; and what percentage of the age group in each of those years she expects to be able to take up a course in higher education.
§ The Prime MinisterThe DES report on education No. 99, which gave projections of the future demand for higher education, included estimates of the percentages of 18-year-olds expected to obtain at least two GCE A-levels —or, in Scotland, three SCE highers—in 1985, 1990 and 1995. The estimates were 16.4 percent. 17.3 percent. and 17.7 per cent. respectively. The report gave upper and lower bounds for the numbers able and willing to enter higher education. The percentage of 18-year-olds entering if demand was met — the age participation rate — was projected to lie between 14.3 and 14.6 per cent. in 1985–86; 14.3 and 15.4 percent. in 1990–91 and between 14.7 and 15.7 per cent. in 1995–96.
The assumptions underlying these projections are currently under review in the light of comments recently received from outside bodies, and it is planned to release by around Easter revised projections which take account of the latest statistical information.