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Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department has taken to promote better financial understanding in schools and colleges of the changes contained in the White Paper on Higher Education. [139640] Alan Johnson: Following the publication of the White Paper "The Future of Higher Education", my department published a booklet "The Future of Higher Education--what it means to students and parents" to ensure that prospective students and their parents are made fully aware of the planned changes arising from the White Paper and how these changes could affect them. Some of these proposals will require Parliamentary Approval before coming into force, so legislation will be introduced to bring this about. A letter with a copy of the booklet and information on how to order copies was sent to all secondary school head teachers and FE college principals. In addition, information on the changes to student finance is included in the Aimhigher teachers and tutors pack, all of the booklets for 13-16 year olds, 16-19 year olds, Parents and Mature students in the Aimhigher series, which are sent to schools and colleges on request. The Student Finance Guide "How to get help financial help as a student" outlines the changes proposed in 2006, and is distributed to school pupils through UCAS conventions, LEAs and on request through the nationally advertised helpline. The school and college Aimhigher road show facilitators are briefed on 2006 changes and will be able to outline these too if asked. Connexions partnerships have been informed and the HE portal contains the proposed changes.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

139640; 413 c1481-2W;413 c1477-8W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Finance Higher education Leaflets Publicity Students

Link

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