§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of children in care(a) continue their education after the age of 16 years and (b) go on to university; and if she will make a statement. [24563]
§ Jacqui SmithI have been asked to reply.
Statistical information concerning the educational status of young people who have left care in England is not available, although we know anecdotally that very few care leavers go on to higher education. A new statistical collection which will provide information for care leavers aged 19 has recently been introduced by the Department, and the first year of data will cover 12 months ending 31 March 2002. This will identify the percentage of care leavers in education, training or employment. The Department plans to publish this information in autumn 2002.