§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to reduce the number of students dropping out of GCE A-level courses before taking their examinations. [17791]
§ Mr. BoswellThe Government attach great importance to this matter across 16 to 19-year-old education. If drop-out rates are to be reduced it is essential that young people choose the school or college, and the type of course which best suits their needs. Recent Government initiatives should increasingly help students and schools and colleges to achieve this. We have taken steps to: establish a range of high-quality vocational options to stand alongside the more established GCE A-levels and increase the choice of qualifications available to 16 to 19-year-olds; publish more and better information about the performance of schools and colleges at this phase of education; increase and improve careers education and guidance in schools and colleges; and provide colleges with a direct financial incentive to improve initial guidance and retention.