To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of strategies adopted by higher education institutions in England to support part-time students; and if he will make a statement. (135989)

In 2006, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) reviewed widening participation initiatives for both full and part-time study. I have placed a copy in the Library. The review identified significant progress; and emphasised good practice which HEFCE will disseminate to higher education institutions. HEFCE have allocated £53 million over two years (2006/07 to 2007/08) towards widening access for part-time students, and £56 million to improve their retention.

In September 2006 the Government improved the financial support available to part-time students, including a 27 per cent. increase in fee grant compared to 2005/06 and the introduction of discretionary additional fee support through the Access to Learning Fund. There are early indications that more part-time students are taking advantage of this financial support.

Between 2000/01 and 2005/06, the number of UK part-time undergraduate students has increased by 23 per cent. (the comparable increase in full-time students was 17 per cent.).