Fewer than half of applicants for vocational GSCE get places

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture says fewer than half of those who apply for vocational GCSEs get places in their schools.

A Freedom of Information request asked how many people applied to sit exams in hairdressing, childcare, engineering, construction or creative media.

In its response, it said in total there were 295 requests and applications for just 143 places but added the Island's college catered for some student courses.

Most oversubscribed was engineering - with almost three applicants for every GCSE place.