HC Deb 22 January 1985 vol 71 cc380-1W
Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds in the United Kingdom are in education or training; and what are the comparable figures for France, West Germany and Japan.

Sir Keith Joseph

The information requested is as follows:

Participation in education and training* (full-time and part-time) of 16 to 18-year-olds
Year Minimum leaving age Percentage of 16 to 18 year olds in education and training
France 1981 16 66
Japan† 1981 15 73
West Germany‡ 1981 15 85
United King-dom║(including YTS) 1983 16 65

* Including apprenticeships, YTS and similar schemes.

† Estimated; excluding some 18-year-olds in certain vocational training.

‡ Including 3 years compulsory part-time education for 15 year old leavers.

║ Including some double counting due to evening classes (under 5 per cent.) but excluding private sector full-time further education. Includes employer-based part-time day study outside of FE colleges.