The Students’ Union asked UWE Vice-Chancellor Steve West and local MP Jack Lopresti to sign the below statement in support of the AimHigher scheme, a government scheme to encourage more students from widening participation background to go to University. The coalition Government recently announced that funding for Aimhigher will stop in July 2011.

This Union believes that Aimhigher has been invaluable in supporting and inspiring young people to lead on their own aspirations. Steve West demonstrated his support by signing the statement but we are highly disappointed to say that Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti declined his support; his statement is also published below.

It is quite unbelievable that that Mr Lopresti believes that his recognition of the ‘good work’ done by Aimhigher with a point that the previous Government made a cut are just enough claim to excuse the decision to not support a statement suggesting a mere 10% be saved and for the Aimhigher brand to be released in order for networks to continue working. It is still unclear as to how the Government propose to support, encourage and inspire people at a young age as the Aimhigher scheme does.

Widening participation in Higher Education is highly valued by UWE and UWESU. With the recent changes in Higher Education funding and the planned rise in tuition fees it is crucial that we ensure widening participation strategies at UWE continue to be invested in and that UWE retain this value. It is a good indicator that our Vice Chancellor signed the statement without hesitation, however in the future we will be keen to ensure that this level of commitment is met.

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Related Links:

• Urgent Actions to Save Aimhigher
• BBC News - Aimhigher university access scheme scrapped
• Government tells students to "aim lower" as minister axes university access scheme
• Jack Lopresti's website