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Written question asked by Joe Morris (Labour) on Thursday, 30 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2025. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Universities: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, what discussions her Department has had on support for young people in the North East to attend universities.

Answer

The department is determined that opportunity is available to all who have the aspiration and talent to succeed in higher education (HE), regardless of where they live.

To inform the development of the Post-16 education and skills white paper, the department engaged with a range of stakeholders, including HE providers, representative bodies, and Mayoral Strategic Authorities across England.

The department will introduce targeted maintenance grants to support students from low-income households studying courses at Levels 4 to 6, including technical qualifications and degrees, aligned with the government’s missions and the Industrial Strategy.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell of the University of Derby has agreed to chair the Access and Participation Task and Finish Group. This will consist of sector experts and charities, with representation from across different regions of the country. It will focus on developing options to address regional disparities in access to HE and tackling the most systemic barriers to access for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
86830
Session
2024-26
Related items
Post-16 Education and Skills
Monday, 20 October 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
North East Universities Young people
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk