Jon Trickett

Dedication to Education Further Demonstrated by Local Students

Jon Trickett MP today welcomed figures showing a 25% rise in the number of young people from Wakefield going to university in the last ten years. Since Labour came to power it has worked hard to expand opportunities for young people to get a degree, and these figures show that young people from Wakefield are benefiting.

To widen participation in higher education, Labour has:

·        introduced, and then increased student grants so that over two thirds of students get a full or partial grant of up to £2,835

·        Expanded the gifted and talented programme to help pupils reach their potential

·        Increased attainment at GCSE and A-level so that more young people have the necessary qualifications to go to university

·        Required all universities to publish their admissions policies and procedures, and show they are being fairly implemented

·        Increased investment in higher education by over 23% since 1997, so that more young people than ever before have the opportunity to get a degree.

But Mr Trickett warns that this progress could be put at risk by Conservative plans to slash £610m from the universities and skills budgets.

Speaking today, Jon Trickett MP said:

“I very much welcome the rise in young people going to university from Wakefield. Ten years ago, some young people round here thought that university wasn’t for them. But we’ve worked hard to raise aspirations and help them get the qualifications they need, and all the hard work is paying off.

Whilst Labour has increased investment in higher education by 23%, the Conservatives would cut an astonishing £610m from the universities and skills budgets, which would mean fewer young people being able to get into higher education.  I recognise that there is still much more to do but am proud of the achievement that has been made in the area.”