House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 1 Sept 2003 (pt 17)

1 Sept 2003 : Column 732W—continued

Foundation Skills

Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in what stages and on what criteria the entitlement to free entry to foundation skills will be introduced in 2004–05. [126785]

Margaret Hodge: We shall be working with the Learning and Skills Council, other partners, and customers, to develop and implement the entitlement to foundation skills for employability in line with the timetable set out in the White Paper "21st Century Skills: Realising our Potential" (Cm 5810).

Further Education

Mr. Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students failed to complete their courses in further education in England in each of the past five years. [125922]

Alan Johnson: The in year retention/withdrawal status of students enrolled on council funded further education provision in further education sector colleges and external institutions in the five years from 1996/97 to 2000/01 is shown in the following table. The numbers are based on incomplete returns from institutions.

Academic year 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/2000 2000/01

Number withdrawn (000) 391.3 386.2 377.2 410.8 327.1

Number continuing/completed (000) 2,144.3 2,205.8 2,037.1 2,153.9 1,864.4

Per cent. withdrawn 15.4 14.9 15.6 16.0 14.9

Per cent. retained 84.6 85.1 84.4 84.0 85.1

Academic year	1996/97	1997/98	1998/99	1999/2000	2000/01
Number withdrawn (000)	391.3	386.2	377.2	410.8	327.1
Number continuing/completed (000)	2,144.3	2,205.8	2,037.1	2,153.9	1,864.4
Per cent. withdrawn	15.4	14.9	15.6	16.0	14.9
Per cent. retained	84.6	85.1	84.4	84.0	85.1

Note:

Students on programmes of less than 12 weeks are excluded from this table

2000/01 figures only Include data from 358 colleges and 183 external institutions

1999/2000 figures only include data from 389 colleges and 202 external institutions

1998/99 figures only include data from 402 colleges and 206 external institutions

1997/98 figures only include data from 416 colleges and 229 external institutions

1996/97 figures only include data from 408 colleges and 260 external institutions

Source: Individualised Student Record

1 Sept 2003 : Column 733W

Mr. Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what action he is taking to ensure that engineering equipment available to students at further education colleges matches that used by employers; [126230]

Alan Johnson: The Government recognised the need for increased levels of capital investment in the further education sector in its 'Success for AH' strategy to reform and improve standards in further education. Capital funding will increase by over 60 per cent. in real terms to over £400 million by 2005–06, compared with 2002–03. The Learning and Skills Council administers the capital programme for the post-16 sector. I have asked John Harwood, the Council's Chief Executive, to write to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and to place a copy of his reply in the Library.

Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills over how many financial years he will phase in the new national framework for setting fees in further education. [126792]

Alan Johnson: We intend to phase in the new arrangements for fees in further education from the 2004/05 academic year, with a view to full implementation from the 2005/06 academic year. However, we and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will consult sector representatives and others on the new arrangements and will take into account views expressed on the timing of implementation before finalising our plans.

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which further education colleges will be able to claim compensation for losses due to the withdrawal of individual learning accounts; and if he will make a statement. [125915]

Mr. Ivan Lewis: As a result of a report by the Parliamentary Ombudsman on a complaint from a learning provider, the Department has decided, in line with Government Accounting guidance, to offer reimbursement to registered Individual Learning Account (ILA) learning providers, including further education colleges, in respect of those learners who properly applied to open accounts before 24 October 2001; were committed to purchase ILA eligible learning with a specific learning provider; and who had not been issued with account numbers by the time the system closed down at 6.30 pm on 23 November 2001, subject to the provision of appropriate evidence.

All learning providers who were active in the period leading up to the closure of the programme have been invited to claim against these criteria.

These learning providers have also been invited to make claims for payment in respect of learners, who had received their ILAs and had received learning, but that learning had not been recorded on the ILA Centre system before the scheme was closed.

GCSE Mathematics

Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage marks were required to pass

1 Sept 2003 : Column 734W

GCSE mathematics at each grade from A*- G in each year from 1985 to 2000; and if he will make a statement. [123952]

Mr. Miliband: The GCSE is not a pass/fail examination. The GCSE grading system is criteria-related and grade boundary ranges for each subject are established each year by awarding bodies, making reference to candidates' work from the previous year, grade descriptions, past papers and statistical data. Each boundary is set by individual awarding bodies using both professional judgment and key statistical evidence.

Although QCA has access to detailed information on the grade boundaries set in all subjects at GCSE for each awarding body, further work will be required on these data to present them in the form requested. It will be lodged in the House of Commons Library in due course and will show the grade boundary marks from 1988, as this was the first year in which the GCSE was examined.

Good Practice Frameworks

Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what timescale he will introduce good practice frameworks for teaching and learning providers. [126790]

Alan Johnson: Within our 'Success for All' strategy, we set up the Standards Unit in January 2003 to improve teaching standards in priority curriculum areas by developing good practice frameworks and associated teacher training and support. The Unit has developed innovative materials in four curriculum areas (science, construction, business studies and entry to employment), which are being trialled with 28 providers in June and July 2003 and piloted with over 100 providers from September 2003. We will also start research and development work on four further curriculum areas (health and social care, maths, land-based studies and information and communication technologies) from September 2003. All the frameworks will be disseminated widely once they have been evaluated.

Higher Education

Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research he has assessed into the relative likelihood of students from disadvantaged backgrounds prematurely reducing their level of participation within higher education courses by dropping out of courses or by forgoing the opportunity to progress to more advanced courses; and if he will make a statement. [118146]

Alan Johnson: A number of research studies have explored the factors associated with students dropping out of higher education. Although the evidence is mixed, there is some evidence that those from lower social classes are more likely to drop out. The evidence also shows, however, that non-completion is a complex

1 Sept 2003 : Column 735W

process that cannot normally be explained by any single factor. Significant factors (many of which are inter-related) include:

incompatibility between the student and their course or institution;

lack of preparation for higher education;

lack of commitment to the course;

level of prior attainment;

financial hardship;

poor academic progress;

health or other personal reasons;

age;

gender; and

whether or not the individual applied through clearing.

Studies in this area include:

(i) "Right Choice? A follow up to 'Making the Right Choice'" by Connor H, Pearson R, Pollard E, Tyers C, Willison R. Universities UK 2001, available from http://www.employment-studies.co.uk/pubs/report.php?id=1427uuk

(ii) "Effects of in-class variation and student rank on the probability of withdrawal: cross-section and time-series analysis for UK university students", by Arulampalam, W. Naylor, R.A. and Smith, J., presented at the Royal Economic Society Conference at the University of Warwick in March 2002. It can be downloaded from http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/economics/staff/faculty/naylor/publications/

(iii) "Dropping Out: A study of early leavers from Higher Education" by Rhys Davies and Peter Elias, DfES Research Report 386 available from http://www.dfes.qov.uk/research/

(iv) "Higher Education: Student Retention" a report made by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to the House of Commons Education and Employment Committee, found at http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200001/cmselect/cmeduemp/124/12402.htm

1 Sept 2003 : Column 736W

The Government are committed to raising the participation rates for people from less affluent backgrounds, and have introduced the Excellence Challenge, including the AimHigher campaign, which is targeted at raising attainment and aspirations among young people who traditionally would not consider going to university.

HEFCE has allocated £265 million to higher education institutions in 2003–04 for widening access and improving retention. This figure recognises the additional costs of supporting students from non-traditional backgrounds and thereby increases the likelihood that they will complete their courses successfully.

Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what the percentage change in further education students taking up places in higher education was in each year since 1997 in (a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire; [119387]

(a)

(b)

Mr. Miliband: The available information shows the previous educational establishments of applicants accepted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) to full-time first degree and HND courses at UK higher education institutions. The figures for Shropshire are in the table. Corresponding information for Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency is not held centrally.

Applicants accepted through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND study from Shropshire local education authority by previous educational establishment

Year of entry Percentage change, 1998

Acceptances 1997 ⁽²⁴⁾1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 to 2002

Numbers

Maintained⁽²⁵⁾ 440 337 363 332 365 402 19.3

Independent 217 207 208 208 171 197 -4.8

Further education 1,177 746 773 774 841 761 2.0

Other 158 91 92 79 100 70 -23.1

Not known 208 140 183 220 261 260 n/a

Total 2,200 1,521 1,619 1,613 1,738 1,690 11.1

Percentage change each year

Further education ⁽²⁶⁾n/a ⁽²⁴⁾n/a 3.6 0.2 8.7 -9.5 n/a

All establishments ⁽²⁶⁾n/a ⁽²⁴⁾n/a 6.4 -0.4 7.7 -2.8 n/a

	Year of entry	Percentage change, 1998
Acceptances	1997	⁽²⁴⁾1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	to 2002
Numbers
Maintained⁽²⁵⁾	440	337	363	332	365	402	19.3
Independent	217	207	208	208	171	197	-4.8
Further education	1,177	746	773	774	841	761	2.0
Other	158	91	92	79	100	70	-23.1
Not known	208	140	183	220	261	260	n/a
Total	2,200	1,521	1,619	1,613	1,738	1,690	11.1
Percentage change each year
Further education	⁽²⁶⁾n/a	⁽²⁴⁾n/a	3.6	0.2	8.7	-9.5	n/a
All establishments	⁽²⁶⁾n/a	⁽²⁴⁾n/a	6.4	-0.4	7.7	-2.8	n/a

⁽²⁴⁾ In 1998, 'Shropshire' local education authority split into 'Shropshire' and 'The Wrekin'. As a result, there is a drop in numbers as some of the establishments took pupils who were residing in 'The Wrekin'. Hence, figures from 1997 and 1998 are not comparable.

⁽²⁵⁾ Maintained includes comprehensive, grammar, sixth form centre and other maintained.

⁽²⁶⁾ The percentage increase from 1996 to 1997 is not available.

Source:

UCAS.

The number of applicants accepted through UCAS from Shropshire, from further education establishments to higher education, rose by 2.0 per cent. between 1998 and 2002. For all accepted applicants from Shropshire the figure was 11.1 per cent.

Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of students from (a) professional, (b) manual trades and (c) unskilled backgrounds in (i) Shrewsbury and Atcham, (ii) Shropshire and (iii) England took up places at university in 2002. [119389]

Mr. Stephen Twigg: The Department only holds participation rates broken down by social class at national level.

1 Sept 2003 : Column 737W

The available information relates to the Age Participation Index (API) by social class. The API calculates the proportion of UK domiciled students who enter full-time HE by the age of 20 and is expressed as a percentage of the averaged 18–19 year old population.

The most recent information, for 2001/02 is in the table.

Age Participation Index (API) by social class, 2001/02Percentage

Social class 2001

I Professional 79

II Intermediate 50

IIIn Skilled non-manual 33

IIIm Skilled manual 21

IV Partly skilled 18

V Unskilled 15

I-IIIn 50

IIIm-V 19

Total 35

Social class	2001
I Professional	79
II Intermediate	50
IIIn Skilled non-manual	33
IIIm Skilled manual	21
IV Partly skilled	18
V Unskilled	15
I-IIIn	50
IIIm-V	19
Total	35

The Government are committed to raising the participation rates for people from less affluent backgrounds, and have introduced the AimHigher campaign, which is targeted at raising attainment and aspirations among young people who traditionally would not consider going to university.

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent (a) qualitative and (b) quantitive analysis has been made of the (i) barriers to entry to higher education and (ii) reasons for withdrawal from higher education before successful completion of a course of study in relation to the different socio-economic background of students. [121755]

Margaret Hodge: The Youth Cohort Study shows that around nine in 10 young people who achieve two or more A-levels by 18 progress to Higher Education by the time they are 21. Differences in participation rates between different social class groups largely reflect differences in prior attainment.

Research published by the Department in 2001 ("Social Class and Higher Education: Issues Affecting Participation by Lower Social Class groups" Connor, H. et al DfEE Research Report No. 246) looked at the factors affecting participation in HE by different social class groups. It found that among those who were qualified to enter higher education but had decided against going the main reasons were because they wanted to start work, because they did not need a higher education qualification for their chosen career or because of the expected costs involved. Other research into the factors affecting participation by different social class groups includes:

UCAS (2002) "Paving the Way. Project Report. Informing change in higher education and progression partnerships with the voice of the under-represented"

NAO "Widening participation in higher education in England. Report by the comptroller and auditor general" HC 485 Session 2001–2002 18 January 2002.

Forsyth, A. and Furlong, A. (2000) "Socioeconomic disadvantage and access to higher education" Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Archer, L. (2001) "Social Class and Access to Higher Education. A Report on findings from the Social Class and Widening Participation to HE Project" University of North London. Occasional paper.

1 Sept 2003 : Column 738W

A number of research studies have explored the factors associated with students dropping out of higher education. The evidence shows that non-completion is a complex process that cannot normally be explained by any single factor. The evidence is mixed, but there is some evidence that those from lower social classes are more likely to drop out but that this seems to be largely due to other factors linked to non-completion, including:

levels of prior attainment;

incompatibility between the student and their course or institution;

lack of preparation for higher education;

lack of commitment to the course;

financial hardship; and

poor academic progress.

Research which explores the causes of non-completion includes:

'Right Choice?' A follow up to 'Making the Right Choice' by Connor H, Pearson R, Pollard E, Tyers C, Willison R. Universities UK 2001

'Effects of in-class variation and student rank on the probability of withdrawal: cross-section and time-series analysis for UK university students', by Arulampalam, W. Naylor, R.A. and Smith, J., presented at the Royal Economic Society Conference at the University of Warwick in March 2002.

'Dropping Out: A study of early leavers from Higher Education' by Rhys Davies and Peter Elias, DfES Research Report 386

'Higher Education: Student Retention' a report made by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to the House of Commons Education and Employment Committee.

The Government are committed to raising the participation rates for people from less affluent backgrounds. By the end of the decade they want to move towards half of all 18–30 year olds participating in HE, but within that target they are committed to ensuring that all those who can benefit from HE will be willing and able to do so, regardless of their background. 'Aimhigher' is the brand name for a range of initiatives through which Government and their key partners aim to widen participation in HE. HEFCE has allocated £265 million to higher education institutions in 2003–04 for widening access and improving retention. This figure recognises the additional costs of supporting students from non-traditional backgrounds and thereby increases the likelihood that they will complete their courses successfully.

Government have listened to those who say that people from poorer backgrounds need additional incentives and financial help to continue in full-time education. We will continue to provide a tuition fee remission grant and, from autumn 2004, full-time HE students with parents on the lowest incomes will be eligible for a new HE Grant of up to £1,000 a year for living costs. No student or parent will have to pay any up-front tuition fee—they can defer paying these until after they graduate. We are also raising the level of repayment from £10,000 to £15,000 to reduce the levels of repayment for all graduates.

1 Sept 2003 : Column 739W

Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many 18–20 year olds entered higher education in each year since 1990 in (a) each local education authority and (b) England; [122980]

(a)

(b)

Margaret Hodge: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

1 Sept 2003 : Column 740W

Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the higher education participation rate of 18–20 year olds, broken down according to family income quintiles and deciles was in each year since 1990. [122985]

Margaret Hodge: The Department does not hold information broken down by family income. The available information relates to the Age Participation Index (API) by social class. The API calculates the proportion of UK domiciled students who enter full-time HE by the age of 20 and is expressed as a percentage of the averaged 18–19 year old population.

The available information is in the table.

Age Participation Index (API) by social class, 1991–2001

Year of entry

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

I Professional 55 71 73 78 80 82 79 72 73 76 79

II Intermediate 36 39 42 45 46 47 48 45 45 48 50

IIIn Skilled non-manual 22 27 29 31 31 32 31 29 30 33 33

IIIm Skilled manual 11 15 17 18 18 18 19 18 18 19 21

IV Partly skilled 12 14 16 17 17 17 18 17 17 19 18

V Unskilled 6 9 11 11 12 13 14 13 13 14 15

I-IIIn 35 40 43 46 47 48 48 45 45 48 50

IIIm-V 11 14 16 17 17 18 18 17 17 18 19

Total 23 28 30 32 32 33 33 31 32 33 35

	Year of entry
	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
I Professional	55	71	73	78	80	82	79	72	73	76	79
II Intermediate	36	39	42	45	46	47	48	45	45	48	50
IIIn Skilled non-manual	22	27	29	31	31	32	31	29	30	33	33
IIIm Skilled manual	11	15	17	18	18	18	19	18	18	19	21
IV Partly skilled	12	14	16	17	17	17	18	17	17	19	18
V Unskilled	6	9	11	11	12	13	14	13	13	14	15
I-IIIn	35	40	43	46	47	48	48	45	45	48	50
IIIm-V	11	14	16	17	17	18	18	17	17	18	19
Total	23	28	30	32	32	33	33	31	32	33	35

Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of 18-year-olds applied for entry to higher education in each year since 1996 in (a) the UK, (b) each English Government office region and (c) each education authority in the North East Government office region. [125630]

Mr. Stephen Twigg [holding answer 14 July 2003]: The available information is from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and covers those aged 18, applying for full-time first degree and HMD courses at UK Higher Education Institutions. The relevant details are shown in the table.

Autumn 1996 entry

17-year-old population in 1995 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 667,593 167,131 25.0

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 59,576 15,821 26.6

East Midlands 47,141 11,369 24.1

Greater London 72,655 19,188 26.4

Merseyside 16,776 3,857 23.0

North East 30,224 6,610 21.9

North West 63,006 15,628 24.8

South East 90,233 25,811 28.6

South West 53,741 14,222 26.5

West Midlands 61,470 14,961 24.3

Yorkshire 56,472 12,753 22.6

England 551,294 140,220 25.4

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 6,994 1,571 22.5

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 7,041 1,436 20.4

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Northumberland 3,748 998 26.6

Gateshead 2,169 306 14.1

Newcastle upon Tyne 2,869 760 26.5

North Tyneside 2,134 448 21.0

South Tyneside 1,749 320 18.3

Sunderland 3,520 747 21.2

Tyne and Wear unknown — 24 —

England 30,224 6,610 21.9

Autumn 1997 entry

17-year-old population in 1996 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 726,736 182,035 25.0

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 65,022 17,041 26.2

East Midlands 51,262 12,367 24.1

Greater London 78,622 20,895 26.6

Merseyside 18,367 4,381 23.9

North East 33,837 7,147 21.1

North West 68,617 16,798 24.5

South East 98,011 27,988 28.6

South West 58,368 15,357 26.3

West Midlands 67,230 15,999 23.8

Yorkshire 61,742 14,397 23.3

England 601,078 152,370 25.3

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ 1,243 213 17.1

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ 2,079 335 16.1

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 1,888 420 22.2

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ 2,526 558 22.1

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 6,587 1,470 22.3

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ 1,264 244 19.3

Northumberland 4,128 1,234 29.9

Gateshead 2,495 278 11.1

Newcastle upon Tyne 3,209 635 19.8

North Tyneside 2,420 607 25.1

South Tyneside 2,026 388 19.1

Sunderland 3,971 706 17.8

Tyne and Wear unknown — 59 —

England 33,837 7,147 21.1

	17-year-old population in 1995	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	667,593	167,131	25.0

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	59,576	15,821	26.6
East Midlands	47,141	11,369	24.1
Greater London	72,655	19,188	26.4
Merseyside	16,776	3,857	23.0
North East	30,224	6,610	21.9
North West	63,006	15,628	24.8
South East	90,233	25,811	28.6
South West	53,741	14,222	26.5
West Midlands	61,470	14,961	24.3
Yorkshire	56,472	12,753	22.6
England	551,294	140,220	25.4

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	6,994	1,571	22.5
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	7,041	1,436	20.4
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Northumberland	3,748	998	26.6
Gateshead	2,169	306	14.1
Newcastle upon Tyne	2,869	760	26.5
North Tyneside	2,134	448	21.0
South Tyneside	1,749	320	18.3
Sunderland	3,520	747	21.2
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	24	—
England	30,224	6,610	21.9

	17-year-old population in 1996	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	726,736	182,035	25.0

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	65,022	17,041	26.2
East Midlands	51,262	12,367	24.1
Greater London	78,622	20,895	26.6
Merseyside	18,367	4,381	23.9
North East	33,837	7,147	21.1
North West	68,617	16,798	24.5
South East	98,011	27,988	28.6
South West	58,368	15,357	26.3
West Midlands	67,230	15,999	23.8
Yorkshire	61,742	14,397	23.3
England	601,078	152,370	25.3

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	1,243	213	17.1
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	2,079	335	16.1
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	1,888	420	22.2
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	2,526	558	22.1
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	6,587	1,470	22.3
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	1,264	244	19.3
Northumberland	4,128	1,234	29.9
Gateshead	2,495	278	11.1
Newcastle upon Tyne	3,209	635	19.8
North Tyneside	2,420	607	25.1
South Tyneside	2,026	388	19.1
Sunderland	3,971	706	17.8
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	59	—
England	33,837	7,147	21.1

1 Sept 2003 : Column 741W

Autumn 1998 entry

17-year-old population in 1997 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 747,354 184,470 24.7

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 66,445 17,381 26.2

East Midlands 53,264 12,755 23.9

Greater London 81,846 21,607 26.4

Merseyside 18,559 4,380 23.6

North East 34,545 7,430 21.5

North West 70,651 17,492 24.8

South East 101,303 27,585 27.2

South West 60,366 15,416 25.5

West Midlands 69,163 16,669 24.1

Yorkshire 63,559 14,149 22.3

England 619,702 154,864 25.0

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ 1,216 246 20.2

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ 2,149 373 17.4

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 2,003 395 19.7

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ 2,540 593 23.3

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 6,631 1,341 20.2

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ 1,318 286 21.7

Northumberland 4,336 1,248 28.8

Gateshead 2,547 546 21.4

Newcastle upon Tyne 3,292 717 21.8

North Tyneside 2,559 613 24.0

South Tyneside 2,021 371 18.4

Sunderland 3,933 701 17.8

Tyne and Wear unknown — — —

England 34,545 7,430 21.5

	17-year-old population in 1997	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	747,354	184,470	24.7

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	66,445	17,381	26.2
East Midlands	53,264	12,755	23.9
Greater London	81,846	21,607	26.4
Merseyside	18,559	4,380	23.6
North East	34,545	7,430	21.5
North West	70,651	17,492	24.8
South East	101,303	27,585	27.2
South West	60,366	15,416	25.5
West Midlands	69,163	16,669	24.1
Yorkshire	63,559	14,149	22.3
England	619,702	154,864	25.0

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	1,216	246	20.2
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	2,149	373	17.4
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	2,003	395	19.7
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	2,540	593	23.3
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	6,631	1,341	20.2
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	1,318	286	21.7
Northumberland	4,336	1,248	28.8
Gateshead	2,547	546	21.4
Newcastle upon Tyne	3,292	717	21.8
North Tyneside	2,559	613	24.0
South Tyneside	2,021	371	18.4
Sunderland	3,933	701	17.8
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	—	—
England	34,545	7,430	21.5

1 Sept 2003 : Column 742W

Autumn 1999 entry

17-year-old population in 1998 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 741,836 180,038 24.3

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 65,851 16,584 25.2

East Midlands 52,215 12,304 23.6

Greater London 82,099 21,869 26.6

Merseyside 18,247 4,276 23.4

North East 33,561 7,230 21.5

North West 69,506 16,960 24.4

South East 100,454 27,423 27.3

South West 59,447 14,722 24.8

West Midlands 67,969 15,897 23.4

Yorkshire 62,794 13,873 22.1

England 612,142 151,138 24.7

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ 1,194 213 17.8

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ 2,083 374 18.0

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 1,919 396 20.6

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ 2,551 611 24.0

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 6,433 1,411 21.9

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ 1,296 277 21.4

Northumberland 4,217 1,119 26.5

Gateshead 2,343 450 19.2

Newcastle upon Tyne 3,212 687 21.4

North Tyneside 2,447 631 25.8

South Tyneside 2,022 376 18.6

Sunderland 3,844 685 17.8

Tyne and Wear unknown — — —

England 33,561 7,230 21.5

Autumn 2000 entry

17-year-old population in 1999 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 727,022 179,584 24.7

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 64,185 16,518 25.7

East Midlands 50,605 12,140 24.0

Greater London 81,601 22,222 27.2

Merseyside 18,223 4,329 23.8

North East 33,143 7,128 21.5

North West 68,688 16,990 24.7

South East 97,596 26,332 27.0

South West 58,598 14,953 25.5

West Midlands 66,601 16,079 24.1

Yorkshire 61,719 13,569 22.0

England 600,957 150,260 25.0

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ 1,201 232 19.3

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ 2,012 392 19.5

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 1,885 362 19.2

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ 2,486 616 24.8

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 6,345 1,309 20.6

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ 1,267 283 22.3

Northumberland 4,134 1,101 26.6

Gateshead 2,456 484 19.7

Newcastle upon Tyne 3,226 717 22.2

North Tyneside 2,371 568 24.0

South Tyneside 1,973 396 20.1

Sunderland 3,786 668 17.6

Tyne and Wear unknown — — —

England 33,143 7,128 21.5

	17-year-old population in 1998	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	741,836	180,038	24.3

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	65,851	16,584	25.2
East Midlands	52,215	12,304	23.6
Greater London	82,099	21,869	26.6
Merseyside	18,247	4,276	23.4
North East	33,561	7,230	21.5
North West	69,506	16,960	24.4
South East	100,454	27,423	27.3
South West	59,447	14,722	24.8
West Midlands	67,969	15,897	23.4
Yorkshire	62,794	13,873	22.1
England	612,142	151,138	24.7

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	1,194	213	17.8
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	2,083	374	18.0
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	1,919	396	20.6
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	2,551	611	24.0
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	6,433	1,411	21.9
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	1,296	277	21.4
Northumberland	4,217	1,119	26.5
Gateshead	2,343	450	19.2
Newcastle upon Tyne	3,212	687	21.4
North Tyneside	2,447	631	25.8
South Tyneside	2,022	376	18.6
Sunderland	3,844	685	17.8
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	—	—
England	33,561	7,230	21.5

	17-year-old population in 1999	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	727,022	179,584	24.7

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	64,185	16,518	25.7
East Midlands	50,605	12,140	24.0
Greater London	81,601	22,222	27.2
Merseyside	18,223	4,329	23.8
North East	33,143	7,128	21.5
North West	68,688	16,990	24.7
South East	97,596	26,332	27.0
South West	58,598	14,953	25.5
West Midlands	66,601	16,079	24.1
Yorkshire	61,719	13,569	22.0
England	600,957	150,260	25.0

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	1,201	232	19.3
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	2,012	392	19.5
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	1,885	362	19.2
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	2,486	616	24.8
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	6,345	1,309	20.6
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	1,267	283	22.3
Northumberland	4,134	1,101	26.6
Gateshead	2,456	484	19.7
Newcastle upon Tyne	3,226	717	22.2
North Tyneside	2,371	568	24.0
South Tyneside	1,973	396	20.1
Sunderland	3,786	668	17.6
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	—	—
England	33,143	7,128	21.5

1 Sept 2003 : Column 743W

Autumn 2001 entry

17-year-old population in 2000 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 735,605 185,553 25.2

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 64,408 16,655 25.9

East Midlands 51,619 12,842 24.9

Greater London 82,236 23,059 28.0

Merseyside 18,560 4,641 25.0

North East 33,550 7,366 22.0

North West 70,541 17,524 24.8

South East 98,611 26,861 27.2

South West 59,589 15,053 25.3

West Midlands 68,725 16,953 24.7

Yorkshire 63,098 14,476 22.9

England 610,937 155,430 25.4

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ 1,226 263 21.5

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ 2,098 456 21.7

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 1,824 411 22.5

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ 2,495 604 24.2

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 6,540 1,363 20.8

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ 1,255 291 23.2

Northumberland 4,094 1,035 25.3

Gateshead 2,541 489 19.2

Newcastle upon Tyne 3,239 888 27.4

North Tyneside 2,374 478 20.1

South Tyneside 1,959 383 19.6

Sunderland 3,905 705 18.1

Tyne and Wear unknown — — —

England 33,550 7,366 22.0

Autumn 2002 entry

17-year-old population in 2001 18-year-old applicants Proportion (percentage)

UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK

UK 737,343 187,539 25.4

English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile

Government office region

Eastern 64,847 17,099 26.4

East Midlands 51,988 12,873 24.8

Greater London 83,668 23,436 28.0

Merseyside 18,350 4,465 24.3

North East 33,600 7,611 22.7

North West 70,695 17,653 25.0

South East 99,511 27,239 27.4

South West 60,035 15,138 25.2

West Midlands 67,817 16,967 25.0

Yorkshire 63,062 14,316 22.7

England 613,573 156,797 25.6

North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile

Region

Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ — — —

Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾ 1,268 261 20.6

Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾ 2,055 450 21.9

Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾ 1,949 370 19.0

Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾ 2,552 660 25.9

Durham⁽²⁷⁾ 6,382 1,388 21.7

Darlington⁽²⁷⁾ 1,260 319 25.3

Northumberland 4,054 1,102 27.2

Gateshead 2,542 504 19.8

Newcastle upon Tyne 3,383 950 28.1

North Tyneside 2,334 467 20.0

South Tyneside 2,034 408 20.1

Sunderland 3,787 732 19.3

Tyne and Wear unknown — — —

England 33,600 7,611 22.7

	17-year-old population in 2000	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	735,605	185,553	25.2

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	64,408	16,655	25.9
East Midlands	51,619	12,842	24.9
Greater London	82,236	23,059	28.0
Merseyside	18,560	4,641	25.0
North East	33,550	7,366	22.0
North West	70,541	17,524	24.8
South East	98,611	26,861	27.2
South West	59,589	15,053	25.3
West Midlands	68,725	16,953	24.7
Yorkshire	63,098	14,476	22.9
England	610,937	155,430	25.4

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	1,226	263	21.5
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	2,098	456	21.7
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	1,824	411	22.5
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	2,495	604	24.2
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	6,540	1,363	20.8
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	1,255	291	23.2
Northumberland	4,094	1,035	25.3
Gateshead	2,541	489	19.2
Newcastle upon Tyne	3,239	888	27.4
North Tyneside	2,374	478	20.1
South Tyneside	1,959	383	19.6
Sunderland	3,905	705	18.1
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	—	—
England	33,550	7,366	22.0

	17-year-old population in 2001	18-year-old applicants	Proportion (percentage)
	UK domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK
UK	737,343	187,539	25.4

	English domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by Government office region of domicile
Government office region
Eastern	64,847	17,099	26.4
East Midlands	51,988	12,873	24.8
Greater London	83,668	23,436	28.0
Merseyside	18,350	4,465	24.3
North East	33,600	7,611	22.7
North West	70,695	17,653	25.0
South East	99,511	27,239	27.4
South West	60,035	15,138	25.2
West Midlands	67,817	16,967	25.0
Yorkshire	63,062	14,316	22.7
England	613,573	156,797	25.6

	North East domiciled applicants, aged 18, applying through UCAS to full-time first degree and HND courses in the UK—by local education authority of domicile
Region
Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	—	—	—
Hartlepool⁽²⁷⁾	1,268	261	20.6
Middlesbrough⁽²⁷⁾	2,055	450	21.9
Redcar and Cleveland⁽²⁷⁾	1,949	370	19.0
Stockton on Tees⁽²⁷⁾	2,552	660	25.9
Durham⁽²⁷⁾	6,382	1,388	21.7
Darlington⁽²⁷⁾	1,260	319	25.3
Northumberland	4,054	1,102	27.2
Gateshead	2,542	504	19.8
Newcastle upon Tyne	3,383	950	28.1
North Tyneside	2,334	467	20.0
South Tyneside	2,034	408	20.1
Sunderland	3,787	732	19.3
Tyne and Wear unknown	—	—	—
England	33,600	7,611	22.7

⁽²⁷⁾ There are discontinuities in the time series caused by Local Government Reorganisations. Also, UCAS do not hold domicile breakdowns for all new authorities in the year that reorganisation took place and so some participation rates for new authorities are not shown until the following year.

Notes:

1. Participation rates have been calculated using the 17-year-old population from the previous year to reduce the distortion caused to LEA populations by the migration of students to their place of study. However, any migration, for whatever reason, at age 17 will affect the rates shown here, particularly between authorities that are geographically close, for example in the London area.

2. Accepted applicants with unknown English domiciles are excluded from the figures.

3. Population figures relate to persons aged 17 as at 31 August in the year prior to entry, counts taken at the following 1 January; accepted applicants are aged 18 at 30 September in the year of entry.

Source:

UCAS

1 Sept 2003 : Column 744W

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made towards achieving a 50 per cent.participation rate in higher education by 2010. [126814]

Alan Johnson: The Initial Entry Rate is the measure which we use to assess progress towards achieving the 50 per cent. participation rate in higher education.

The outturn Initial Entry Rate figure for 2001–02 is 43.5per cent.. This updates our previous best estimate of around 43 per cent..

A National Statistics Quality Review of the Initial Entry Rate, intended to improve the transparency and robustness of the measure, will be published shortly.

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