§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the levels of applications for performing arts courses and the funding available to such students; and if she will make a statement. [5752]
§ Margaret HodgeThe level of applications for performing arts courses continues to be high. We do not collect national totals for applications. There were 9,662 full-time undergraduate drama students and 9,922 undergraduates of music in 1999. While we do not have figures for students applying for performing arts subjects in FE, the Arts continue to be one of the largest curriculum areas.
Students on HE courses which are designated for student support may apply for help with student fees and loans. Students on FE courses may apply for learner support funds and those aged 16–19 in the 56 Education Maintenance Allowance pilot areas have access to the allowances.
Over 1,600 students are currently participating in the Dance and Drama Award Scheme which provides the standard HE support for fees and loans or maintenance to help with fees and living costs for those on the vocational route. Competition for these places continues to be high.
The Music and Ballet Scheme trains over 750 pupils and offers assistance towards fees calculated relative to parental income.