§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will report progress on the establishment of the Foundation Degrees Forward concept. [112201]
§ Margaret HodgeDiscussions are under way between officials in the Department and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Further details will be announced by the Summer.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made on the incorporation of Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates within the Foundation Degree framework; and what representations he has received on this matter. [112203]
§ Margaret HodgeFollowing the publication of The Future of Higher Education' (Cm 5735) Edexcel has announced its plans to integrate its Higher National Diplomas into the foundation degree framework. A working group comprising representatives from the Department for Education and Skills, Edexcel, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, the Council of Validating Universities and employers has been established to oversee this work. This group will also consider the future of the Higher National Certificate.
A wide range of representations have been received on the plans set out in Cm 5735. We are currently looking carefully at the views expressed.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the future funding of(a) development work, (b) validation, (c) institutional funding and (d) student support for those undertaking foundation degrees. [112204]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Government's plans are set out in "The Future of Higher Education" (Cm 5735). Details are currently being worked up, in collaboration with the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Further announcements will be made later in the year.