On first looking into education statistics for the United Kingdom

The main data in Education Statistics for the United Kingdom 1986, which concerns the academic or financial year 1984‐85, are described from the point of view of a researcher who is not an expert about statistics. Where interesting trends can be discerned, these are highlighted. More often, however, the data raise questions of interpretation and some indication is given of the more detailed collections of statistical data which need to be consulted. The specific issue of the shortage of teachers of mathematics, physics and technology is used to illustrate the most important missing ingredients: the need for the data to correspond more closely to the division of educational provision into different kinds of activities and the need for the data to be placed in a context of data for other professions and other branches of government.