HC Deb 27 July 1988 vol 138 c242W
Mr. Grocott

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the latest year for which figures are available, what proportion of young persons between the ages of 16 and 18 years were in full-time education; and what were the corresponding figures for France, West Germany, Japan and the United States of America.

Mr. Butcher

The readily available information for 16 to 18-year-olds is shown in the table. Rates for part-lime students, including the youth training scheme for the United Kingdom, are shown where available as they form an important element in certain countries. It is planned to have more timely statistics available later in the year.

Participation in education and training1 of 16 to 18-year-olds. 1981
Percentage of age group
Country Full-time2 Part-time1 All education and training
France 58 8 66
Germany, Federal Republic of 45 340 84
Japan4 5 69 3 73
USA5 79 79
United Kingdom6
(1981) 32 32 63
(1987) 31 33 64

Source: Statistical Bulletin 10/85.

Education Statistics for the United Kingdom.

1Including apprenticeships, YOPs, YTS and similar schemes.

2Including higher education for some 18-year-olds.

3Including compulsory part-time education for 16 and 17-year-olds in Germany.

4Estimated from new entrant and enrolment data; excludes some 18-year-olds, in "special training schools"—which provide certain types of vocational training for those aged 18 and above.

5Including private sector higher education.

6Includes estimates for those studying only in the evening. Includes private sector full-time further education and training, estimated as 6 per cent.