HC Deb 18 November 1986 vol 105 c130W
Mr. Terlezki

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of school leavers have taken up places in higher education at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Walden

Provisional information for 1985 indicates that the age participation index for higher education in Great Britain was 13.9. The age participation index is the number of home initial entrants, aged less than 21, expressed as a percentage of the "relevant age group". This represents a significant and welcome increase from the API of 12.4 in 1979.