§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to improve access to higher education courses other than foundation or first degrees for those from less privileged backgrounds. [110059]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWe have introduced a wide range of measures to encourage wider participation in higher education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, such as the child care grant, the disabled students allowance and funds to create 1,000 new academic fellowships for postgraduates.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what evidence he has collated on the fairness of existing higher education admissions systems. [110882]
§ Margaret HodgeI refer the hon. Member to The Future of Higher Education (Cmd 5735) and Widening Participation in Higher Education, both of which are available in the Library.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what credit will be given to efforts by an individual higher education institution to encourage wider participation by students in their area, notwithstanding that some may attend institutions elsewhere. [110926]
§ Margaret HodgeMany universities and colleges are already engaged in partnership work with schools designed to raise levels of participation in higher education generally, including through the Departments Aimhigher programme. These activities would be included in the relevant access agreements.