Press Release

OU welcomes support for part-time higher education

4 November 2005

The Open University today welcomed the announcement of additional Government funding to encourage participation in part-time higher education among disadvantaged groups, describing it as an important and critical step forward.

In welcoming the announcement by the Department for Education and Skills and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, OU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brenda Gourley said, “in terms of widening participation in higher education, the extra £40 million announced today - in addition to the recent support package for part-time students on low incomes - gives us a real opportunity to extend educational opportunity and promote social justice.”

“We welcome the recognition of Government and the Funding Council that institutions incur significant extra costs in recruiting and supporting part-time students from under-represented groups.  This extra resource will help us sustain current activities and build for the future.”

“Encouraging participation in higher education in all its forms remains critically important and we look forward to working with Government, the Funding Councils and employers in securing continued recognition and support for this area.”