The number of new entrants to initial teacher training rose to 31,885 in 2001-02 from 30,765 in 2000-01. Figures released this week by the Higher Education Statistics Agency show a rise in students taking a postgraduate certificate in education from 20,740 to 22,095. There was a fall in the number choosing a BEd or other first-degree ITT qualification from 10,025 to 9,790.