MINISTER URGES SCHOOL LEAVERS TO AIM HIGHER
As A-level results day and the start of Clearing approach (August 16th), Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, is urging school leavers to apply for university or college in order to fulfil their potential and set themselves up for success in their career of choice.
Bill Rammell comments: “All students can benefit from the Clearing process, not just those who miss their predicted grades, but also those who hadn’t considered higher education have the option to change their minds and apply. Higher education is one of the most important investments a young person can make as graduates earn, on average, £100,000 over their working lifetime more than people with A-levels or similar who do not go in to higher education. The student finance package has been designed to help ensure that money isn’t a barrier to higher education.”
From 8am on 16 August 2007, students will be able to call a national helpline where experienced advisors will provide information on the opportunities available through Clearing. The Exam Results helpline is supported by a number of broadcasters including Radio 1, 1Xtra and Radio 2 and is available on 0808 100 8000, last year it assisted 10,000 students in their decision to go on to higher education.
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills is also launching a series of helping hands available on www.direct.gov.uk/countdowntouni to ensure students get all the information on the financial support available. The site will feature:
- An online Clearing Decision Aid – providing an at-a-glance guidance on to Clearing;
- A podcast, featuring Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, talking about the value of going to university and featuring students who have been through the Clearing process;
- Clearing Made Clear - a vodcast, featuring Ricky Whittle of Hollyoaks, with details of the Clearing process and the finances available to help students go onto higher education.
