Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Lockwood (Labour). It was answered by Lord Adonis (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 February 2006.

Higher Education: Part-time Students

Question: What progress has been made towards increasing financial support for part-time students in higher education institutions.

Answer: My Lords, we are increasing the maximum fee grant for part-time students by 27 per cent next year, from £885 to £1,125, while maintaining the new course grant at £250. We are also raising the income thresholds to qualify for support, and the Access to Learning Fund allocation for part-time students will increase from £3 million to £12 million. That is the best deal ever offered to part-time students in England. Devolved administrations make their own arrangements.

Secondary information