§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the drop-out rate for first year students at English universities in each of the last three years was; and if she will make a statement. [25826]
§ Margaret HodgeThe latest "Performance Indicators in Higher Education" published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) last month show that the proportion of entrants to full-time first degree courses in 1998–99 who did not continue beyond the first year was 10 per cent., the same proportion as in the two previous academic years. HEFCE's figures indicate that around one fifth of these students will re-enter HE after a year out. Although the UK has the second highest completion rate among OECD countries, the Government are not complacent. HEFCE have been asked to report on the measures being taken to bear down on the drop-out rate. HEFCE have produced an interim report and are expected to produce their complete report shortly.