HC Deb 28 November 1988 vol 142 cc78-9W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications were made by mature students for entry to courses in higher education in each year since 1979; how many were accepted; and what percentage this represented in each of those years.

Mr. Jackson

The numbers of United Kingdom domiciled applicants and acceptances aged 21 and over through the Universities Central Council on Admissions scheme have been as follows.

Information on applications to public sector courses is not available.

United Kingdom domiciled applicants and acceptances aged 21 and over (Universities)
Applicants Acceptances Percentages accepted
1979 17,893 6,956 38.9
1980 17,776 7,122 40.1
1981 16,061 6,575 40.9
1982 15,254 5,742 37.6

Applicants Acceptances Percentages accepted
1983 15,513 5,590 36.0
1984 16,534 6,249 37.8
1985 17,669 7,072 40.0
1986 18,505 7,839 42.4
1987 19,117 8,436 44.1