§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by socio-economic group(a) the numbers and (b) the percentages of (i) under 21 and (ii) over 21 year olds who were accepted into full-time or sandwich undergraduate study in (1) 1995 and (2) the most recent year for which figures are available. [45749]
§ Dr. HowellsThe available data on students accepted into full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses by socio-economic group are provided in the table. It shows the number of accepted applicants to full-time and sandwich courses in 1995 and 1997 who applied through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). However, not all full-time and sandwich undergraduate students enter higher education through UCAS. Information on the socio-economic groups of students who did not apply through UCAS is currently unavailable.
(2) how many Ofsted inspections were carried out during the last period for which figures are available; and how many complaints were received from schools or governing bodies regarding Ofsted inspections or inspectors in that period; [45705]
(3) what procedures exist for monitoring the performance of (a) Ofsted inspection terms and (b) individual inspectors. [45706]
§ Mr. ByersHM Chief Inspector of Schools is responsible for monitoring the performance of school inspectors and handling complaints arising from school inspections. We announced on 10 March that Ofsted's complaints procedures are being strengthened, including the introduction of an independent element through the appointment of an external complaints adjudicator. I have asked the Chief Inspector to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.