§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to increase the proportion of the working age population in the West Midlands reaching degree level qualifications. [149832]
§ Alan JohnsonThese are a range of initiatives from which the region will benefit.
Foundation Degrees are a positive step in expanding opportunities for people to enter higher education. The combination of academic study and work-based learning with this flexible approach means that they appeal to a wide variety of people including those already in work. The Higher Education Funding Council for England has invited the region to bid for 1,000 additional student places in 2004/05.
For mature learners we are providing an important pathway to higher education through Access to HE Courses. The West Midlands is served by one of the larger Access providers—the Open College Network for the West Midlands.
156WThe Aimhigher Programme in conjunction with the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Council is very active in the region in improving links between its schools, FE colleges and HEIs, with part of its remit to encourage more young people to take up degrees.
We are also funding five 14–19 pathfinders in the West Midlands to test local delivery of 14–19 education and training with the aim, amongst other things, of equipping young people to enter further or higher education.
Excellence in Cities is raising aspirations and attainment in Schools. A part of their remit is to encourage pupils to consider higher education. From 2005 Excellence in Cities will be involved in all secondary schools across the City of Coventry.