§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received on top-up fees for university students; what assessment he has made of the effect of top-up fees on decisions by students from low-income families to pursue further and higher education; what steps he will take to encourage1014W students from low-income families to enter further and higher education; and if he will make a statement. [139439]
§ Alan JohnsonI refer the hon. Member to my answer of 11 September 2003,Official Report, column 464W, in which I described the numerous representations which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received regarding variable fees. With respect to the impact of variable fees on students from low income backgrounds, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle-Under-Lyme (Paul Farrelly) of 12 November 2003, Official Report, column 354W, in which I set out the Government's proposed measures for safeguarding access to higher education for those from low income backgrounds.
Our AimHigher campaign provides a focus for the many and varied widening participation activities going on at an institutional, local and regional level. To date, it has reached 1,223 schools and sixth form colleges and a total of 129,130 pupils, and the evidence shows that it is working: applications for entry into higher education in 2003 are up 4.2 per cent. in AimHigher areas compared to 1.6 per cent. in non-AimHigher areas.
The introduction of variable fees will not impact directly on those in further education. However, we aim to increase participation in further education through a range of actions set out in our 14–19 Skills for Life, Skills and Success for All strategies which will ensure that students from low income families have access to high quality opportunities which meet their individual needs and that they are encouraged to fulfil their potential.