HC Deb 26 February 1987 vol 111 cc348-9W
Mr. Evennett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many pupils study for GCE A-levels; and what proportion of their year group they represent;

(2) what proportion of pupils remain in full-time education over the age of 16 years; how many enter the sixth form; and how many enter further education or non advanced further education.

Mr. Dunn

The number and proportion aged 16,17 and 18 remaining in full-time education in schools and further education colleges and those studying for GCE A-levels are as follows:

Full-time pupils/students in England, 1985–86
On 'A' level courses On all courses
Numbers (thousands) aged1 School2 F & HE3 School 4 F & HE3
16 140 17 218 129
17 131 20 140 97
18 17 13 20 110
as percentage of population aged:
16 19 2 30 18
17 18 3 19 13
18 2 2 3 14
1 Ages at 31 August 1985.
2 The age breakdown of the number of pupils on 'A' level courses in maintained secondary and independent schools has been estimated.
3 Full-time students on non advanced and advanced courses in further education colleges and universities. Includes those YTS trainees on full time courses on the day of the count and for a significant part of their courses" and sandwich students in further education
4 Numbers of pupils of these ages in maintained secondary, independent and special schools.