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Higher Education

Answer

Although there have been improvements in widening participation in recent years, there is still more to do. Government are establishing a new framework, with increased responsibility on universities to widen participation; and greater government investment in improving attainment and access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is within this context that the Aim Higher programme will cease at the end of this academic year (July 2011). Universities wanting to charge more than a £6,000 annual graduate contribution will have to demonstrate what more they will do to attract more students from disadvantaged backgrounds through outreach activities, targeted scholarships and other financial support. This will include a requirement to participate in the new £150 million national scholarship programme. The national scholarship programme forms part of a package of measures to support disadvantaged young people through their education, including the introduction of the £2.5 billion pupil premium which will support them to achieve at school and turn that into success at university. Access will remain a focus for all institutions, who will continue to submit a widening participation strategic assessment to the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Universities charging above the £6,000 threshold will draw up a new access agreement with the Director of Fair Access, who will expect most from those whose records show they have furthest to go in securing a diverse student body. On 6 December we published draft guidance to the Director of Fair Access setting out our expectations on how he might approach the approval and monitoring of universities new access agreements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

5613; 724 c41WA

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Admissions Disadvantaged Higher education Aimhigher programme

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk