[holding answer 15 January 2010]: The figures in the table show pupils who were in English maintained schools and aged 15 at the start of academic years 2001-02 and 2002-03 who progressed to HE by the age of 19 (in 2005-06 and 2006-07 respectively). 2005-06 is the earliest year for which these figures are available.
These figures have been estimated using matched data from the National Pupil Database, the Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Record and the Learning and Skills Council Individualised Learner Record. Figures for 2007-08 will be available later this year.
Young persons in UK HE1 of which; Russell Group HEIs FSM2 Non-FSM2 FSM Non-FSM Academic Year Number % Number % Number % Number % 2005-06 10,800 13 156,000 33 1,000 1 33,000 7 2006-07 11,400 14 164,000 33 1,000 1 32,600 7 1 Includes HE level courses at English Further Education Colleges. 2 FSM and non-FSM indicate receipt and non-receipt of Free School Meals respectively. Notes: In 2002-03 there were 81,100 maintained school pupils aged 15 claiming free school meals. This represents around 14 per cent. of all pupils in English maintained schools. Source: Matched data from the National Pupil Database, the Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Record and the Learning and Skills Council Individualised Learner Record. All figures are estimates and numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.