To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what percentage of school leavers went on to higher education in (a) Romford, (b) Essex and (c) Greater London in 2007. (181690)

This information is not held centrally.

The main measure for tracking progress on increasing participation in higher education is currently the higher education initial participation rate (HEIPR). This is the sum of the HE initial participation rates for individual ages between 17 and 30 inclusive. It covers English-domiciled first time entrants to HE courses, which are expected to last for at least six months, at UK higher education institutions and English, Scottish and Welsh further education colleges, and who remain on their course for at least six months. The latest available figure is 42.8 per cent. for 2005/06.

The equivalent figure for 18-year-olds only is 21.3 per cent. for 2005/06.

Figures for 2006/07 will become available in 2008. The HEIPR is not disaggregated below national level.