| answer text |
<p>This Government has been very clear about the importance of widening participation
and improving fair access in higher education – all those with the ability should
have access to higher education, irrespective of family income.</p><p>In April we
published the new <em>National strategy for access and student success. </em>It will
help to ensure that all those with the potential to benefit from higher education
have equal opportunity to participate and succeed. Our reforms and new funding methodology
have ensured that institutions are investing significantly in widening student access
to higher education. Through their access agreements with the Office for Fair Access,
institutions plan by 2018/19 to increase their spending on outreach, student success
and student financial support measures to £735 million, up from £444 million in 2011/12.</p><p>Similarly
it is important that young people and adults from disadvantaged groups are able to
access good quality further education and skills training to help them to find employment,
participate in their local community and to lead a more independent life.</p><p>We
provide ‘Learning Support’ funding to colleges and providers to help people with learning
difficulties and/or disabilities. We support unemployed people into work by funding
units and qualifications in vocational skills, and we fully fund all adults to achieve
their first English and maths GCSE. We contribute £210 million a year to support non-formal
Community Learning, attracting disadvantaged groups and mature learners who have had
very few previous opportunities to engage in education.</p>
|
|
