Association of Colleges

09 August 2012

Association of Colleges’ Director of Policy, Joy Mercer, said: “It is clear from the Independent Commission on Fees, which shows an estimate of as many as 15,000 fewer young people applying to university, that those considering higher education are looking seriously at the problems of future debt and the market value of their degree.

“Unfortunately, many applicants do not have clear guidance on the variety of options available to them. More than 200 colleges deliver higher education to approximately 10% of all students.

“The higher education courses at college have been specifically designed with employers to fully develop vocational competence while allowing them to manage their personal finances by staying at home or continuing in employment part-time at the same time as studying.

“We feel one of the main reasons that potential students are missing out on these possibilities is recent cuts in information, advice and guidance services at 16. This is despite a government expansion of higher education places in colleges and an increase in funding for higher apprenticeships.”

ENDS

---

View all news