More Western Isles Students than ever going into higher education

More students than ever are applying for higher education courses, but there are concerns about how much support students can expect from government, especially in light of looming public spending cuts.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show the number of Scots under 21 taking up higher or further education courses went up by 0.8% to 43% in 2008-09.

“Student hardship”

More than half the young people in the Western Isles took up courses — 58.5%.

And whilst increased participation after seven years of decline was seen as a  welcome development there are concerns about the government’s financial commitment to students.

With questions over the future of educational maintenance allowances, bursary funds and childcare funding.

However a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The figures are positive news and reflect the action the Scottish Government has taken to widening participation in higher education, such as restoring free education by abolishing the graduate endowment fee and introducing a raft of policies to help students and tackle student hardship.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles