§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether students with(a) the University for Industry and (b) the National Health Service University will be treated as participating in higher education. [76818]
§ Margaret HodgeThose students who are registered on a programme of study leading to a higher education qualification are treated as participating in higher education. This applies to Ufi learners and will also apply to learners within the NHSU, once it is established.
§ Stephen HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to widen participation in higher education. [74820]
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§ Margaret HodgeThis Government are committed to widening participation in higher education. Our reform of secondary education will improve attainment levels and encourage greater numbers to enter higher education. Through our 14–19 proposals we will ensure that young people have access to both academic and vocational study which is attractive and relevant to them, further raising the post-16 staying on rate, levels of attainment and aspirations.
We have introduced the Excellence Challenge, worth over £190 million over three years, which will raise aspirations and attainment in some of the country's most deprived areas, and our AimHigher campaign promotes the benefits of higher education to young people. We have also increased student support for those who need it, including Opportunity Bursaries for young people from low income backgrounds, increased Access and Hardship Funds and a new child care grant and travel, books and equipment grant for student parents.
The forthcoming higher education strategy document will set out a 10-year vision for developing higher education, and widening participation will naturally be a key element of that vision. The Government strongly believe that fair access to all our universities and colleges must be an integral part of our higher education system and our strategy document will reflect that.