HC Deb 25 February 1986 vol 92 c513W
Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion he estimates of the current year's graduates in physics and mathematics will enter the teaching profession; and how many will have honours.

Mr. Chris Patten

Graduates in 1986 in mathematics and physics will not be available to enter the teaching profession until autumn 1987, after successfully completing a course of initial teacher training. Approximately 10 per cent. of estimated 1986 graduates in physics and 15 per cent. of those in mathematics have so far applied for places on initial teacher training courses in England and Wales starting in the autumn of 1986, leading to a postgraduate certificate in education. Estimates are not available of the likely honours graduates among these applicants. About 80 per cent. of all graduates in both subjects normally obtain honours.