Graduate numbers rise

Some 1.4 million people have gained a degree since Tony Blair became prime minister. Department for Education and Skills statistics show that 7.7 million people have a degree today compared with 6.3 million in 1997. This represents 24.6 per cent of the working population compared with 20.9 per cent in 1997.

DFES figures also show that 54 per cent of 21-year-olds gained two A levels against a target of 60 per cent, while 75 per cent of 19-year-olds gained five A* to C grade GCSEs against a target of 85 per cent.

Details: www.dfes.gov.uk/statistics/