Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of withdrawing financial support for foundation years attached to degree courses on access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Access and successful participation remain a priority for this government and is enshrined in the Higher Education and Research Act (2017). Everyone with the ability to succeed in higher education should have the opportunity, regardless of their background or where they grew up.

The independent panel’s report to the government, published on 30 May, forms an important step in the review of Post-18 Education and Funding. The government will consider the panel’s recommendations carefully and will conclude the review at the Spending Review. The government has not yet taken decisions with regards to the recommendations put forward.