1. Latest figures show NEET levels remain stubbornly high
Figures released this week by the Office for National Statistics found that almost 15% of 16-24 year olds were NEETs (not in employment, education or training). With 895,000 NEETS in this age bracket, the figures for December 2009- February 2010 were down on the 17% high of the previous three months- and significantly fell back below the 1 million mark. Despite this, they remain 14% higher than this time last year.
There was, however, significant progress with those aged 16-18, with the 177,000 NEETs being the lowest number for 8 years. These have no doubt been helped significantly by the governments’ ‘September guarantee’, which offers every 16- and 17-year-old the opportunity to continue in education or training.
2. Leaked report suggests NI higher education funding review panel to suggest retaining current fees ‘cap’
The review looking into higher education funding in Northern Ireland will argue that the current tuition fees cap should not be lifted, a leaked report suggests.
The review, led by Joanne Stuart, head of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland, will in addition advocate detailed examination of the NUS alternative ‘graduate tax’ blueprint for funding.
The review has not as yet announced a date for the publication of its conclusions. The review’s findings will form the basis of a public consultation, which will finally be followed by ministerial action.
3. Government publishes National Student Forum response
Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy and Minister for Students Lord Young have published their response to the National Student Forum’s recommendations.
The NSF was set up two years ago, in partnership with NUS, the National Postgraduate Committee, the Mature Students’ Union, the Open University Students’ Association. Each of these participating organisations is able, together with the Department for Business, Industry and Skills (BIS), to nominate students to be on the Forum.
Commenting, Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy said, “Working together, students, higher education institutions and the government can ensure the student voice is central to the development of higher education policy and improving the student experience.”