§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage change has taken place in the numbers of(a) mature students entering higher education and (b) lone parents entering higher education as mature students in the last year over the previous year. [40823]
§ Dr. HowellsThe number of mature students entering higher education courses in higher education institutions in the UK rose by 1 per cent. between 1996–97 and 1997–98, from 339,100 to 342,900. Mature students are defined as postgraduates aged 25 and over, and undergraduates aged 21 and over. Information on the numbers of lone parents entering higher education as mature students is not held centrally. However, data from the Labour Force Survey show that the number of lone parents aged 21 or over in full-time higher or further education rose from 207,000 in 1996–97 to 222,000 in 1997–98, representing an increase of 7 per cent.