21 JANUARY 1949, Page 20

EXAMINATIONS AND SCHOOLS

Sta,—Statistics just released by the University of London for the Mid- summer, 1948, General School Examination show that the average age of all candidates taking the examination was 16 years 41 months ; of boys only 16 years 4 months, of girls only 16 years 41- months. Under the regulations for the new General Certificate of Education, boys and girls after 1950 will generally take the examination between the ages of 15 years 9 months and 16 years 9 months.

It would appear, then, that the Minister's decision finds some justifica-

[The average age is hardly relevant. What would be interesting would be to know how many candidates took the examination below the age of 16.—ED., The Spectator.]