HC Deb 26 October 2000 vol 355 c191W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to increase access to the top universities. [132607]

Mr. Wicks

In September, we launched a three-year, £150 million programme, the Excellence Challenge to further widen participation in higher education. All higher education institutions in England, 800 secondary schools and 600 FE Colleges in Excellence in Cities areas will be funded. They will work with young people from the age of 13 and provide them with the information, resources and encouragement which they need to apply for and enter higher education, including the most demanding institutions.