§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the conclusions of the National Funding Council for Higher Education study on the chances of children from different social class backgrounds going on to study in university; and what steps he intends to take to improve the educational opportunities of disadvantaged children. [965]
§ Dr. HowellsThe report by the Higher Education Funding Council for England on the influence of neighbourhood type on participation in higher education points out that the variation of participation in higher education by social group is closely related to educational achievement up to 18 years of age. The report, which has been submitted to the Dearing Inquiry into Higher Education, confirms the need for action to be taken to improve standards in schools. The Government has put the raising of standards for all pupils at the heart of its agenda for change. It has set clear targets for literacy and numeracy, namely that by the end of this Parliament every child should reach the appropriate National Curriculum levels for age 11. If these demanding targets are met, the educational opportunities for all children will be greatly improved, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who hitherto have often under-achieved. A copy of the report will be available shortly and will be placed in the Library.