Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for funding higher education.
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§ Mr. BrookeImprovements are needed to secure greater selectivity in funding and greater attention to cost-effectiveness and value for money. These issues will be discussed in the Green Paper on the future development of higher education to be published later this year.
Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the percentage of 18-yearolds currently participating in higher education in England and Wales; and how this figure compares with other member countries of the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. BrookeThe available information is as follows:
Age range Participation rate (1981–82)* France 18–20 34.0 Germany 19–21 †l9.5 Italy 19–21 25.1 Netherlands 18–20 25.7 United Kingdom 18–19 31.4 * New entrants (all ages) to full-time and part-time higher education as a percentage of the average population in the most relevant age range. † 1980 Information for other member states in the Community is not readily available.
Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the retention of sixth forms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnLocal education authorities wishing to terminate sixth form provision in 11 to 18 schools must publish proposals under section 12 of the Education Act 1980. The Department's circular 4/82 makes it clear that my right hon. Friend would not normally approve proposals which have as their consequence the closure or significant change of character of schools which, by a sustained record of success in the provision made for sixth form education, had already proved their worth under existing arrangements, and in his judgment could continue to do so, except where he was satisfied that the prima facie case for their retention was displaced by other compelling educational considerations.