To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many further education colleges have applied for foundation degree awarding powers since July 2007; and how many of such applications were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful. (193374)

None. The new powers that will enable further education colleges to apply for powers to award their own foundation degrees come into force on 1 May.

The Quality Assurance Agency is, through consultation, developing detailed guidance for applicants. It is also running a series of ‘road shows’ to provide information to potential applicants in an informal setting.