§ 18. Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the total number is of dance and drama scholarships to be made available this year. [132604]
§ Mr. WicksThe number of Dance and Drama Awards available from September 2000 is 1,624. Of these 951 students have awards that are funded through the further education route. The awards for the remaining 673 students are funded through the higher education route.
185WThese awards did not exist under the previous administration. We have successfully replaced the lottery which existed in the past, putting talent before postcodes.
Instead of paying fees of up to £8,000, award-winners only pay at most £1,050, in line with university students. Students with awards are also eligible for means tested help with their living and learning costs.