§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many mature students entered into full-time or part-time education in Wales for each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe numbers of mature students who commenced full or part-time courses at maintained and grant-aided further and higher education colleges in Wales and at the University of Wales each year since 1981 are shown in the following table. Comprehensive information for earlier years is not available.
Mature students1 entered first year of course2 Year3 Full-time4 Part-time5 1981 5,500 16,400 1982 5,400 16,900 1983 5,200 19,600 1984 5,200 19,700 1985 5,500 21,100 1986 5,800 24,000 1987 5,800 26,700 1988 5,900 30,300 1989 6,900 35,500 1990 7,900 37,400 1991 10,600 40,400 1992 not yet available 1 Students aged 21 or over at at 31 August preceding the academic year except in the case of postgraduates where the age taken is 25 or over. 2 All courses regardless of level and including those of a recreational nature. 3 Student count at December for University of Wales, November for other colleges. 4 Includes sandwich students. 5 Includes part-time day, block release, evening only and open/distance learning. Sources:
Further Education Student Record and Universities' Statistical Record.