Written question asked by Rob Marris (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 September 2003. It was answered by Alan Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to improve the collection of data on the number of people who enter higher education on the basis of (a) vocational and (b) work-based learning qualifications.

Answer: Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to improve the collection of data on the number of people who enter higher education on the basis of (a) vocational and (b) work-based learning qualifications. [129525] Alan Johnson: The main source of data the entry qualifications of HE students is the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record. This already identifies students with vocational qualifications and non-academic qualifications (such as accreditation of prior learning). The student record is reviewed regularly to ensure that it collects data which are relevant and fit for purpose, for instance the 2002/03 return has been enhanced to identify students funded by the University for Industry.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 129525; 410 c799-800W;410 c797W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Admissions Higher education Qualifications Statistics Training Vocational education
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk