§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what estimate he has made of the average maintenance(a) grant and (b) loan awarded to mature students in each year of study; and if he will make a statement; [2749]
(2) what estimate he has made of the average maintenance (a) grant and (b)loan awarded to mature students in Wales, in each year of study; and if he will make a statement. [2736]
§ Dr. HowellsThe available information on student awards does not identify separately those awards received by mature students. Information on the average student loan is not available in the form requested, either in the Department or in the Student Loans Company. However, the average loan to students aged 26 years and over at the start of their course in the academic year 1995ߝ96 according to place of study is given in the table.
Student loans: average loan (£)1 to those aged 26 and over Academic year 1995–96 England2 1,190 Wales2 1,110 United Kingdom 1,170 Source:
Student Loans Company.
1Average loan rounded to nearest £.10.
2Country of study.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what estimate he has made of(a) how many and (b) what percentage of those studying for (i) undergraduate degrees and (ii) equivalent vocational qualifications are mature students; and if he will make a statement; [2746]
(2) if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on mature students. [2747]
459W
§ Dr. HowellsThere are no direct equivalences between undergraduate degrees and vocational qualifications. The table below provides an analysis by qualification aim of those studying at undergraduate level in HE institutions in England in 1996ߝ97.
Undergraduate students in higher education establishments1 in England 1996–97 (thousands) Qualification aim Mature students2 All students Percentage mature First degree 471.1 866.8 54.4 Professional qualifications 13.0 13.4 97.2 Diploma/Certificate in HE 41.3 48.9 84.5 HND/HNC 26.8 56.4 47.5 NVQ/SVQ levels 4 and 5 1.7 1.7 99.3 Institutional credit 53.8 56.3 95.6 Foundation course 3.0 3.9 77.5 Other undergraduate 60.7 63.9 95.1 Total 671.4 1,111.2 60.4 1Excludes He in FE establishment. 1Students aged 21 or over in the current academic year. My right hon. Friend welcomes the substantial increase that has taken place in the number of mature students in higher education, to the point where the number of mature entrants now exceeds the number of 18ߝ21 year olds starting in higher education. Our policy is to widen the opportunities for all individuals to enable them to fulfil their intellectual and personal potential and to engage in learning throughout life and we shall be considering very carefully the relevant recommendations of the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, which is expected to report next month.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what estimate he has made of(a) how many and (b) what percentage of mature students studying for (i) undergraduate degrees and (ii) equivalent vocational qualifications currently (1) are entitled to and (2) claim grants for (A) teaching fees and (B) maintenance, broken down into local authority areas; and if he will make a statement; [2748]
(2) what estimate he has made of (a) how many and (b) what percentage of mature students studying for undergraduate degrees and (ii) equivalent vocational qualifications in Wales currently (1) are entitled to and (2) claim grants for (A) teaching fees and (B) maintenance, broken down into local authority areas; and if he will make a statement. [2735]
§ Dr. HowellsThe information is not collected centrally.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what estimate he has made of the average amount owed by further education(a) students and (b) mature students in Wales to (i) the Student Loans Company and (ii) personal banks as a result of and at the end of their period of study, broken down into local authority areas; and if he will make a statement; [2737]
(2) what estimate he has made of the average amount owed by further education (a) students and (b) mature students to (i) the Student Loans Company and personal banks as a result of, and at the end of, their period of study, broken down into local authority areas; and if he will make a statement. [2750]
460W
§ Dr. HowellsInformation on student indebtedness to banks is not collected centrally. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company to write to the hon. Member about average debt to the Student Loans Company at 31 March 1997.