Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 23 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 November 2000. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 November 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will make a statement on his plans for foundation degrees.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for foundation degrees. [134795] Mr. Wicks: The core features of foundation degrees were set out in a prospectus issued by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in July. These features will ensure that the foundation degree becomes a valued vocational HE qualification that meets employers' needs. The prospectus also invited bids from consortia of higher education institutions, further education colleges and employers, to design and develop the prototype foundation degree programmes. HEFCE received proposals from 56 consortia, many including more than one higher education institution, by the 11 October deadline. This represents almost two-thirds of institutions with degree awarding powers drawn from across the higher education sector. We welcome this enthusiastic response and clear commitment to foundation degrees. The successful consortia will be announced in late November.

Secondary information