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Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Department for Education and Skills (23)
Member
Primary member
Answering member
More
Howells, Kim (23)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 22nd March, Official Report, columns 690-2W, on medical schools, how many of the undergraduates (a) were aged under 21 years at the time of admission, (b) had three Cs or less at A level and...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 22nd March, Official Report, columns 690-2W, on medical schools, how many of the undergraduates (a) were aged under 21 years at the time of admission, (b) had three Cs or less at A level and...
Asked by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 2005
For answer on
6 April 2005
Answered on
6 April 2005
Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2005, Official
Report, columns 690-92W, on medical schools, how many of the undergraduates (a) were aged under 21 years at the time of
admission, (b) had three Cs or less at A level and (c) had three Ds at A level. [224231]
Dr. Howells: The tables provide information on the numbers of undergraduate entrants to pre-clinical medicine courses within the UK,
who were (a) aged under 21 years at the time of admission (a subset of the table provided in my previous answer),
(b) had three Cs or less at A level and (c) had three Ds at A level.
UK domiciled undergraduate entrants, aged under 21 years to pre-clinical medicine with less than 3 C's (or equivalent 1,2at A level
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Institution 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
Imperial College of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Science, Technology and
Medicine
King's College London -- 5 -- -- -- 5 10
Queen Mary and Westfield -- -- 5 -- -- 5 5
College
Queen's University of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Belfast
St. George's Hospital -- 5 -- -- -- -- --
Medical School
University College London -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Aberdeen 5 10 10 15 5 5 5
University of Birmingham 5 -- -- 5 5 10 --
University of Bristol -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Brighton -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Cambridge -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Dundee -- 10 5 10 25 5 10
University of Durham -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of East Anglia -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Edinburgh 5 -- -- -- -- 5 5
University of Exeter -- -- -- -- -- -- --
(Peninsular Medical
School)3
University of Glasgow 15 10 15 10 20 10 10
University of Hull4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Leeds -- -- 5 -- 15 15 10
University of Leicester -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Liverpool -- -- 10 5 -- -- --
University of -- -- 5 -- 5 5 --
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
University of Nottingham -- 5 -- -- -- -- --
University of Oxford -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Plymouth -- -- -- -- -- -- --
(Peninsular Medical
School)3
University of Sheffield 5 5 10 5 5 5 5
University of Southampton -- -- 5 -- -- -- --
University of St. Andrews -- -- 15 -- 10 10 10
University of Sussex -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Warwick -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Warwick -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of York4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Victoria University of -- -- -- -- -- 5 --
Manchester
Total 35 50 75 45 85 95 70
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
`--' signifies 0, 1 or 2. 1 Based upon students obtaining A level qualifications. 2 For years up to and including 2001/02, figures
are based upon students with A level qualifications and a points score of between 1 and 17 A level points. For 2002-03 onwards, the
figures are based upon the students' tariff score from A level qualifications and includes students with 1 to 239 tariff points. 3
Delivery of the Undergraduate Programme began in autumn 2002. 4 First intake of students accepted in 2003. Note: Figures are rounded
to the nearest 5 and are a snapshot as at the 1 December Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
UK domiciled undergraduate entrants, aged under 21 years. to pre-clinical medicine with less than 3 C's (or equivalent1,2 at A level
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Institution 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
Imperial College of 5 -- -- -- -- -- --
Science, Technology and
Medicine
King's College London -- 10 5 10 10 10 20
Queen Mary and Westfield -- 5 10 -- -- 5 20
College
Queen's University of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Belfast
St. George's Hospital -- 5 -- -- -- -- 15
Medical School
University College London -- -- -- -- -- 5 5
University of Aberdeen 10 15 10 15 10 10 10
University of Birmingham 5 -- 5 5 5 15 5
University of Bristol -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Brighton -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
University of Cambridge -- -- -- -- 5 -- 0
University of Dundee 5 10 5 15 30 5 15
University of Durham -- -- -- -- -- -- 10
University of East Anglia -- -- -- -- -- 5 25
University of Edinburgh 5 -- -- -- -- 5 5
University of Exeter -- -- -- -- -- -- 10
(Peninsular Medical
School)3
University of Glasgow 20 10 15 15 20 10 15
University of Hull4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Leeds 5 5 5 5 30 30 30
University of Leicester -- -- -- -- 10 5 30
University of Liverpool 10 5 15 5 -- -- --
University of -- 5 5 5 5 5 --
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
University of Nottingham -- 5 -- -- -- 5 15
University of Oxford -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Plymouth -- -- -- -- -- -- 15
(Peninsular Medical
School)3
University of Sheffield 5 5 10 5 5 5 5
University of Southampton 5 -- -- -- -- 5 --
University of St Andrews 5 5 20 -- 10 10 10
University of Sussex -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
University of Wales, -- 5 5 10 -- -- 0
Cardiff
University of Warwick -- -- -- 10 -- -- 35
University of York4 -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
Victoria University of -- 5 -- 5 15 10 5
Manchester
Total 90 85 110 105 155 160 325
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
`--' signifies 0, 1 or 2. 1 Based upon students obtaining A level qualifications. 2 For years up to and including 2001-02, figures
are based upon students with A level qualifications and a points score of between 1 and 17 A level points. For 2002-03 onwards, the
figures are based upon the students' tariff score from A level qualifications and includes students with 1 to 239 tariff points. 3
Delivery of the Undergraduate Programme began in autumn 2002. 4 First intake of students accepted in 2003 Note: Figures are rounded
to the nearest 5 and are a snapshot as at the 1 December Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
UK domiciled undergraduate entrants to pre-clinical medicine with 3 D's (or equivalent)1,2 at A level
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Institution 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
Imperial College of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Science, Technology and
Medicine
King's College London -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Queen Mary and Westfield -- -- -- -- -- -- --
College
Queen's University of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Belfast
St. George's Hospital -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
Medical School
University College London -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Aberdeen -- -- -- -- -- 5 --
University of Birmingham -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Bristol -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Brighton -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
University of Cambridge -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Dundee -- -- -- 5 5 -- --
University of Durham -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of East Anglia -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
University of Edinburgh -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Exeter -- -- -- -- -- -- --
(Peninsular Medical
School)3
University of Glasgow -- 5 -- -- 5 -- --
University of Hull4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Leeds -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Leicester -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Liverpool -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
University of Nottingham -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
University of Oxford -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Plymouth -- -- -- -- -- -- --
(Peninsular Medical
School)3
University of Sheffield -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Southampton -- -- -- -- -- --
University of St Andrews -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Sussex -- -- -- -- -- -- --
University of Wales, -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Cardiff
University of Warwick -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
University of York4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Victoria University of -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Manchester
Total 5 5 5 10 10 10 25
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
`--' signifies 0, 1 or 2. 1 Based upon students obtaining A level qualifications. 2 For years up to and including 2001-02, figures
are based upon students with A level qualifications and a points score of 12 A level points. For 2002-03 onwards, the figures are
based upon the students' tariff score from A level qualifications and includes students with 180 tariff points. 3 Delivery of the
Undergraduate Programme began in autumn 2002 4 First intake of students accepted in 2003. Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest 5
and are a snapshot as at 1 December. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
Subjects
Higher education; Medicine; Standards; Students; GCE A-level
Date
6 April 2005
Reference
432 c1520-4W;432 c1516-20W; 224231
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what measures will be used to monitor the performance of the Office of Fair Access in meetings its statutory objectives.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what measures will be used to monitor the performance of the Office of Fair Access in meetings its statutory objectives.
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 March 2005
For answer on
23 March 2005
Answered on
23 March 2005
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures will be used to monitor the performance of the
Office of Fair Access in meetings its statutory objectives. [223417]
Dr. Howells: The Director for Fair Access has statutory functions and duties under the Higher Education Act 2004, but no statutory
objectives. In considering how successfully the Director fulfils his functions and duties we will look at his annual report; at any
feedback, especially from higher education institutions and students; and in due course at the findings of the independent
commission which will be set up to examine the first three years of operation of the variable fees arrangements in higher education.
Subjects
Standards; Office for Fair Access
Date
23 March 2005
Reference
432 c857W;432 c857-8W; 223417
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what research her Department has commissioned into the differences of performance levels between further education colleges in the North and in the South noted in the Ofsted reports, Why colleges succeed, and Why colleges fail, published in November 2004; and...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what research her Department has commissioned into the differences of performance levels between further education colleges in the North and in the South noted in the Ofsted reports, Why colleges succeed, and Why colleges fail, published in November 2004; and...
Asked by
David Chaytor
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 February 2005
For answer on
9 March 2005
Answered on
9 March 2005
Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research her Department has commissioned into the
differences of performance levels between further education colleges in the North and in the South noted in the Ofsted reports, Why
colleges succeed, and Why colleges fail, published in November 2004; and if she will make a statement. [218483]
Dr. Howells: My Department has not commissioned any further research into the differing performance levels of further education
colleges in the North and those in the South beyond the analysis provided in the recent Ofsted reports. The Government's strategy is
designed to raise standards across the sector and to address poor performance wherever it is found. The strategy includes leadership
and workforce development, improved approaches to learning and teaching, and recruitment of lecturers in shortage areas. These were
areas pointed out by Ofsted in their report.
Subjects
Further education; Office for Standards in Education; Standards; Research
Date
9 March 2005
Reference
431 c1828-9W;431 c1824W; 218483
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether the Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress year on year to reduce rates of non-completion in higher education was met in 2004. - Inc table.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether the Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress year on year to reduce rates of non-completion in higher education was met in 2004. - Inc table.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2005
For answer on
7 March 2005
Answered on
7 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the public service agreement target to make significant
progress year on year to reduce rates of non-completion in higher education was met in 2004. [219256]
Dr. Howells: Information on non-completion rates is published annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The latest
figures, which show that rates have decreased since 1997, are given in the table.
Projected non-completion rates1 in English HEIs--students on full-time first degree courses
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Students starting courses in:2 Non-completion rate (percentage)
1997 16.1
1998 15.8
1999 15.9
2000 15.0
2001 14.1
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1 HESA use a method of projection applied to the cohort of students starting full-time first degree courses in a particular year,
based on the assumption that they will move through the system in the same way as current students. 2 The majority of these students
will be on three-year degree courses, so that those entering in 2001 will be scheduled to complete their courses in 2004. Source:
"Performance Indicators in Higher Education", published by HESA.
Subjects
Government departments; Standards; Department for Education and Skills; Public service agreements
Date
7 March 2005
Reference
431 c1534-5W;431 c1528W; 219256
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the estimated cost to public funds is of achieving the Public Service Agreement target to increase participation in higher education towards 50 per cent. of those aged 18 to 30 years. - Inc table and figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the estimated cost to public funds is of achieving the Public Service Agreement target to increase participation in higher education towards 50 per cent. of those aged 18 to 30 years. - Inc table and figures.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2005
For answer on
7 March 2005
Answered on
7 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the estimated cost to public funds is of achieving the
public service agreement target to increase participation in higher education towards 50 per cent. of those aged 18 to 30
years. [219258]
Dr. Howells: The majority of the funding made available to the HE sector in England will contribute towards the target to increase
participation in higher education. So, too, does funding provided outside of the HE sector which delivers improved attainment in
pre- HE learning.
The following table sets out the details of the funding available to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for
the three year period from 2005-06. This gives annual increases in total recurrent grant for teaching of £255/208/209 million
and for research of £133/95/90 million. Costs beyond 2007-08 will be dependant on the outcome of the forthcoming spending
review.
Financial year: all figures (except the unit of teaching funding which is £ real terms) are £ million in cash terms
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
(a) SR2004 outcome recurrent 4,594 4,817 5,039
resources for HEFCE and TTA1
(b) Of which HEFCE2 4,339 4,547 4,753
(c) Public contributions to fees3 434 n/a n/a
(d) Student contributions to 508 n/a n/a
fees3
Total (a+c+d) 5,536
(f) Recurrent resources for 1,204 1,299 1,389
research4
Resources for capital grants:
(g) IT and other capital 442 468 472
(h) Research 207 236 266
(i) Cost of capital and -7 -7 -7
depreciation5
Total HEFCE (b+f+g+h+i) 6,186 6,544 6,874
Student numbers (FTEs in 1,185 1,209 1,232
thousands)6
Real terms unit of funding for 3,490 3,490 3,490
teaching7
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1 The amounts set out above are the council's resource budgets. They represent the maximum amount of resource that the council may
consume in pursuance of the priorities agreed with the Department for the spending review period. The 2007-08 budget includes
£9.5 million departmental end-year flexibility planned to be carried forward from 2005-06 and 2006-07. Figures are net of a
£67/69/70 million transfer of AHRB resources. 2 Figures assume a baseline transfer of £255/270/286 million to the TTA.
The resources for each year include funding of £18 million from the Department of Health for clinical academicians' pay and
£5 million funding transferred to HEFCE for the dance and drama scheme. 3 Figures on the contribution to fees include
students to be funded through the TTA. 4 The resources exclude funding from DTI and OST for the Science Research Innovation Fund and
HE Innovations Fund. 5 Capital costs and depreciation are part of the council's resource budgets and the maximum amount of resources
it may consume. The amounts shown are subject to review and will be discussed further with the council. 6 Student numbers are net of
students to be funded through the TTA. 7 Figures are in 2003-04 prices rounded to nearest £10. The real terms level of funding for
teaching costs are derived from the total level of recurrent resources available to HEFCE to support teaching (ie excluding
research, capital and postgraduate stipends), full-time equivalent numbers of students estimated using the "whole year count"
methodology discussed with HEFCE and the GDP deflators published by HM Treasury on 3 December 2004.
Subjects
Government departments; Standards; Department for Education and Skills; Public service agreements
Date
7 March 2005
Reference
431 c1535-6W;431 c1528-30W; 219258
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the estimated cost to public funds is of achieving the Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress towards fair access into higher education. - Including figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the estimated cost to public funds is of achieving the Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress towards fair access into higher education. - Including figures.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2005
For answer on
3 March 2005
Answered on
3 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the estimated cost to public funds is of achieving the
Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress towards fair access into higher education. [219257]
Dr. Howells: No estimate has been made of the cost to the public funds of achieving the Public Service Agreement target to make
significant progress year on year towards fair access into higher education.
The then Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke, made a statement to the House of Commons on
16 September 2004 about how expenditure announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his budget statement would be used to
support the reforms set out in the Department's Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners.
Concerning higher education, he explained that Government expenditure will increase by about £2 billion between 2004-05 and 2007-08,
taking total investment to almost £9.5 billion.
This means there will be average increases of over 6 per cent. in real terms over the next three years. These increases will
cover the sector's financial needs in the short term.
Subjects
Government departments; Standards; Department for Education and Skills; Public service agreements
Date
3 March 2005
Reference
219257; 431 c1361W;431 c1355W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether the Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress year on year towards fair access into higher education was met in 2004. - Including tables.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether the Public Service Agreement target to make significant progress year on year towards fair access into higher education was met in 2004. - Including tables.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2005
For answer on
3 March 2005
Answered on
3 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the public service agreement target to make significant
progress year on year towards fair access into higher education was met in 2004. [219255]
Dr. Howells: The Higher Education Statistics Agency publishes a set of performance indicators for UK universities and higher
education colleges. The latest data relates to entrants to higher education in the academic year 2002/03. These show that:
The percentage of young entrants to full-time first degree courses from state schools in England has risen as follows:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Percentage
1999 84.1
2000 85.0
2001 85.2
2002 86.4
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
The percentage of young entrants to full-time first degree courses from low participation neighbourhoods in England has risen as
follows:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Percentage
1999 11.7
2000 11.8
2001 12.4
2002 12.5
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
A full copy of the performance indicators can be found at www.hesa.ac.uk/pi/default.htm.
Subjects
Government departments; Standards; Department for Education and Skills; Public service agreements
Date
3 March 2005
Reference
219255; 431 c1361W;431 c1355W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent assessment she has made of whether the Public Service Agreement target to increase participation in higher education towards 50 per cent. of those aged 18 to 30 years by 2010 will be met.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent assessment she has made of whether the Public Service Agreement target to increase participation in higher education towards 50 per cent. of those aged 18 to 30 years by 2010 will be met.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2005
For answer on
3 March 2005
Answered on
3 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment she has made of whether the public service
agreement target to increase participation in higher education towards 50 per cent. of those aged 18 to 30 years by 2010 will
be met. [219254]
Dr. Howells: Demand projections based on anticipated improvements in attainment suggest that demand for HE will continue to grow and
that progress towards 50 per cent. can be maintained between now and 2010.
Subjects
Government departments; Standards; Department for Education and Skills; Public service agreements
Date
3 March 2005
Reference
219254; 431 c1360-1W;431 c1354-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent assessment she has made of whether the Public Service Agreement target of 90 per cent. of young people by age 22 to have participated in a full-time programme fitting them for entry into higher eduction or skilled employment...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent assessment she has made of whether the Public Service Agreement target of 90 per cent. of young people by age 22 to have participated in a full-time programme fitting them for entry into higher eduction or skilled employment...
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2005
For answer on
3 March 2005
Answered on
3 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment she has made of whether the public service
agreement target of 90 per cent. of young people by age 22 to have participated in a full-time programme fitting them for
entry into higher education or skilled employment by 2010 will be met. [219252]
Dr. Howells: This target has been replaced by the new 2008 public service agreement target on level 2 and level 3 attainment. In the
Department's 2004 autumn performance report we announced that we would no longer be reporting on the 2010 target in the context of a
more streamlined and outcome-based package of spending review 2004 targets and supporting performance indicators.
In addition to the level 2 at 19 public service agreement target, we will continue to track improved outcomes for young people
through the participation rates of 16 and 17-year-olds in further education and training and the number of young people attaining a
level 3 by age 19 and completing an apprenticeship.
Subjects
Government departments; Standards; Department for Education and Skills; Public service agreements
Date
3 March 2005
Reference
219252; 431 c1360W;431 c1354W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent representations she has received regarding problems with the Student Loan Company; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent representations she has received regarding problems with the Student Loan Company; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Peter L Pike
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 January 2005
For answer on
26 January 2005
Answered on
26 January 2005
Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent representations she has received regarding problems
with the Student Loan Company; and if she will make a statement. [210000]
Dr. Howells: The Secretary of State received a representation dated 5 January from the right hon. Member for Manchester,
Withington (Mr. Bradley), on behalf of a constituent whose children received delayed student loan payments. I am going to reply, as
I have ministerial responsibility for student support, to explain that this is now administered through a new system called
"Protocol", aimed at improving the administration of the system and in particular streamlining the application and assessment
process. However, as with any new system, there were initial difficulties to overcome and we are now reviewing with the Student
Loans Company what worked well and what could be improved.
Subjects
Administrative delays; Loans; Standards; Student Loans Company
Date
26 January 2005
Reference
210000; 430 c368W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the latest figures are for online application to university; and what steps she has taken to evaluate consumer satisfaction with the process. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the latest figures are for online application to university; and what steps she has taken to evaluate consumer satisfaction with the process. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 January 2005
For answer on
18 January 2005
Answered on
18 January 2005
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the latest figures are for online application to university;
and what steps she has taken to evaluate consumer satisfaction with the process. [208646]
Dr. Howells: As at 11 January 2005, some 200,000 applications for higher education entry in 2005 had been registered with the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) via their online application service, `ucasapply'. This compares with about
79,000 registrations at the same point last year. The majority of registrations (76 per cent.) were via schools. UCAS has
announced that is gearing up to be able to handle over 450,000 electronic applications a year.
I understand that UCAS have arrangements in place to evaluate customer satisfaction with the online application service, and are
developing additional ones. In addition to information on how to use ucasapply, schools were sent a questionnaire to gain feedback
on their experience of usage. Of those schools that had used ucasapply, 71 per cent. of respondents felt they had all the
information they needed, and over 56 per cent. felt that it had cut down the amount of time staff spent on administering
applications compared with previous paper-based applications. Schools that have not yet used ucasapply have cited lack of time to
learn how to use the online system as the main reason. UCAS has contacted those falling in this category and offered them further
support.
Subjects
Admissions; Applications; Internet; Higher education; Standards; Universities
Date
18 January 2005
Reference
208646; 429 c857-8W;429 c861-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the impact on science research of the closure of the chemistry department at Exeter University; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the impact on science research of the closure of the chemistry department at Exeter University; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Robert Key
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
9 December 2004
Answered on
9 December 2004
Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact on science research of the
closure of the chemistry department at Exeter university; and if he will make a statement. [200634]
Dr. Howells: It is too early to early to make a detailed assessment of the impact on science research as a result of the proposed
closure of Exeter's chemistry department. However, the quality of chemistry research in English universities has increased
significantly. 50 per cent. of departments were rated five or five* in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) compared
with only 20 per cent. in 1996. 27 per cent. were rated four as compared with 23 per cent. in 1996. Overall the
UK currently ranks fourth in the world for the number and share of world citations in physical sciences.
I have asked HEFCE to advise me on higher education subjects or courses of national strategic importance, including science
subjects, where intervention might be appropriate to strengthen or secure them. HEFCE will be entering into a strategic dialogue
with universities, colleges, employers and other partners to consider this matter.
Subjects
Closures; Chemistry; Higher education; Standards; Universities; Research; Science; University of Exeter
Date
9 December 2004
Reference
200634; 428 c762-3W;428 c708W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many students have been admitted to university to read medicine on courses which lead to registration as doctors with (a) less than three Bs at A level and (b) less than three Cs at A level as a result...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many students have been admitted to university to read medicine on courses which lead to registration as doctors with (a) less than three Bs at A level and (b) less than three Cs at A level as a result...
Asked by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 November 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students have been admitted to university to read
medicine on courses which lead to registration as doctors with (a) less than three Bs at A level and (b) less than
three Cs at A level as a result of widening participation schemes in each of the last five years. [198255]
Dr. Howells: Admission of students to medical, and other, courses is a matter for individual institutions. The main scheme for
widening participation is Aimhigher which aims to raise the attainment levels of young people, their aspirations towards university,
and improve progression. Most activities are not subject-specific, although some locally arranged activities are designed to raise
awareness of and encourage progression to specific subjects such as medicine. Aimhigher does not include the delivery of degree or
other higher education programmes. Information on the pre-entry qualifications of students entering first-degree courses in medicine
is, however, provided in the following table.
Students from England entering first degree courses in medicine
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Of which, those with scores equivalent to:
Year of entry All entrants with A levels Less than 3 Bs1 Less than 3 Cs
1998/99 2,920 75 30
1999/00 2,835 135 40
2000/01 3,155 160 30
2001/02 3,420 235 60
2002/03 3,950 205 90
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1 Including students with less than 3 Cs. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Figures have been rounded to the
nearest 5.
Subjects
Access; Admissions; Doctors; Higher education; Medicine; Standards; Universities; Students; GCE A-level
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
426 c2139W;426 c2145W; 198255
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the reply of 3 November 2003, 426 c291W, on university admissions, what his timescale is for consideration of the benchmarks on university admissions; and whether he plans to announce the outcome of this consideration.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the reply of 3 November 2003, 426 c291W, on university admissions, what his timescale is for consideration of the benchmarks on university admissions; and whether he plans to announce the outcome of this consideration.
Asked by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 November 2004
For answer on
10 November 2004
Answered on
10 November 2004
Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2004, Official
Report, column 290W, on university admissions, what his timescale is for consideration of the benchmarks on university admissions;
and whether he plans to announce the outcome of this consideration. [197050]
Dr. Howells: I have said that I will look at the benchmarks to see if there is any way they can be improved or better understood. I
have not yet announced a specific timescale, nor at this stage any plans to make an announcement.
Subjects
Access; Admissions; Higher education; Standards; Universities; Office for Fair Access
Date
10 November 2004
Reference
426 c760W;426 c764W; 197050
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what discussions he has had with the Royal Society of Chemistry concerning the adequacy of A level mathematics for undergraduate chemists; what plans he has to review the A level mathematics syllabus to place greater emphasis on the needs of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what discussions he has had with the Royal Society of Chemistry concerning the adequacy of A level mathematics for undergraduate chemists; what plans he has to review the A level mathematics syllabus to place greater emphasis on the needs of...
Asked by
John Denham
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 October 2004
For answer on
3 November 2004
Answered on
3 November 2004
Mr. Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what discussions he has had with the Royal Society of
Chemistry concerning the adequacy of A-level mathematics for undergraduate chemists; [195636]
(2) what plans he has to review the A-level mathematics syllabus to place greater emphasis on the needs of future science
undergraduates; [195637]
(3) what discussions he has had with the Royal Society regarding the adequacy of the mathematics A-level for undergraduate
scientists; and if he will make a statement; [195638]
(4) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the mathematics A-level for students undertaking undergraduate chemistry; and if
he will make a statement. [195639]
Dr. Howells: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is not responsible for reviewing the adequacy or otherwise of the content
of an A-level specification. It is for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to determine content in discussion with
interested parties including HE institutions, subject and professional associations, employers, awarding bodies and providers.
Subjects
Chemistry; Education; Standards; Science; Mathematics; GCE A-level
Date
3 November 2004
Reference
426 c279W; 195636;195637;195638;195639
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what reports he has received on the milestones presently in existence for universities in respect of their admissions; whether he plans to publish them; by what means they are publicly available; and whether he expects to be informed by universities...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what reports he has received on the milestones presently in existence for universities in respect of their admissions; whether he plans to publish them; by what means they are publicly available; and whether he expects to be informed by universities...
Asked by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 October 2004
For answer on
3 November 2004
Answered on
3 November 2004
Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what reports he has received on the milestones presently in
existence for universities in respect of their admissions; whether he plans to publish them; by what means they are publicly
available; and whether he expects to be informed by universities of changes in their milestones. [194950]
Dr. Howells: The access agreements that institutions will have from 2006 with the Director of Fair Access will include the
institutions' own milestones, or measures of success. The milestones may draw on a range of data. Access agreements will be
published. The Secretary of State has not received any report in respect of these milestones. These milestones are separate from the
Performance Indicators that were published recently by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Published annually, these current
indicators provide comparative data on the performance of institutions in widening participation, student retention, learning and
teaching outcomes and research output. They cover publicly funded higher education institutions in the UK.
Subjects
Access; Admissions; Higher education; Standards; Universities; Office for Fair Access
Date
3 November 2004
Reference
194950; 426 c291W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to review the benchmarks for university admissions based on (a) state schools and (b) socio-economic status; and if he will make a statement; what plans the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has for additional...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to review the benchmarks for university admissions based on (a) state schools and (b) socio-economic status; and if he will make a statement; what plans the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has for additional...
Asked by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 October 2004
For answer on
3 November 2004
Answered on
3 November 2004
Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what plans he has to review the benchmarks for university
admissions based on (a) state schools and (b) socio-economic status; and if he will make a statement; [192930]
(2) what plans the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has for additional benchmarks for universities; what
consultations HEFCE carries out in respect of benchmarks; and whether he expects the Director General of the Office of Fair Access
to be included in such consultations. [193568]
Dr. Howells: The Performance Indicators Steering Group (PISG) is the body which approves the content and methodology of the
Performance Indicators (PIs) and associated benchmarks. The PISG is chaired by HEFCE (The Higher Education Funding Council for
England), and includes representatives from Universities UK, the Standing Conference of Principals, and HESA (Higher Education
Statistics Agency). Individual Higher Education Institutions are notified of their provisional PIs well before publication and are
able to comment and take up any issues with the HESA, and/or the HEFCE prior to publication. Suggestions for new PIs can come from a
variety of sources and are considered by the PISG for approval. The White Paper "The Future of Higher Education" said that the
Government favoured moving towards more sensitive indicators and I am in discussion with HEFCE about how best to do this. I am also
looking at the benchmarks to see if there is any way they can be improved or better understood. There are no plans to consult with
the Director of OFFA in relation to performance indicators or benchmarks.
Subjects
Access; Admissions; Higher education; Higher Education Funding Council for England; Standards; Universities; Office for Fair Access
Date
3 November 2004
Reference
426 c290-1W; 192930;193568
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Asked by
John McWilliam
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on grading of Advanced Level examinations.
Subjects
Assessments; Standards; GCE A-level
Date
28 October 2004
Reference
425 c1567-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Assessments; Standards; GCE A-level
Date
28 October 2004
Reference
425 c1567-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on grading of Advanced Level examinations.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on grading of Advanced Level examinations.
Asked by
John McWilliam
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 October 2004
For answer on
28 October 2004
Answered on
28 October 2004
Subjects
Assessments; Standards; GCE A-level
Date
28 October 2004
Reference
425 c1567-8; 194101
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons