§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new measures he will introduce to reduce the number of school leavers with no qualifications; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe proportion of Northern Ireland school leavers with no qualifications has fallen steadily from a figure of 17.7 per cent. in 1986–87 to 7.4 per cent. in 1991–92. Pupils potentially in this category will continue to benefit from a range of education reform initiatives and from additional resources allocated through the targeting social needs policy and making Belfast work initiative. Consideration is also being given to targeting selected schools undertaking development plans to address the problem of under-achievement.