To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the drop-out rate amongst students in England studying for a first degree was in the most recent period for which figures are available. (161942)

The performance indicators in higher education, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), include an indicator of projected non-completion. The proportion of UK-domiciled entrants to full-time first degree courses at English higher education institutions, who were projected to neither obtain an award nor transfer to another institution, was 13.8 per cent. in 2004/05. This is the latest available figure and is the lowest value this indicator has taken since the performance indicators were introduced.

The 2005/06 figure will become available in 2008.

According to figures published by the OECD, the overall completion rate for Type A (first degree equivalent) courses in UK universities and colleges of higher education is amongst the highest in the OECD countries.