§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means he will ensure that the removal of higher education maintenance grants will not restrict access for students from lower-income families. [11049]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government recognise that participation in higher education by students from poorer homes is closely related to educational achievement up to 18 years of age. The policies set out in our White Paper "Excellence in schools" should greatly improve educational opportunities for all children.
The current student support arrangements have not encouraged students from lower-income families to enter higher education. The Government are therefore proposing to replace the existing mixture of maintenance grants and student loans with new system of loans which will be repaid by graduates in work. The new system will be fair and progressive, as repayments will be related to