New figures have been published this week showing that the number of young people from Tooting going to university has risen by 58% since 1997/08. There has also been a 100% rise in the number of local students that have completed apprenticeships since 2003/04.

Sadiq said “I am really pleased that so many more young people in Tooting are staying on in further education or apprenticeships. I know how important higher education was in helping me fulfil my potential as a lawyer and politician. Too many of my friends at school were not as privileged as I was and missed out. I don’t want another generation of youngsters not fulfilling their potential.”

“Ten years ago too many people thought that further education wasn’t for the likes of them. I am pleased that young people’s aspirations have increased with widened access to higher education and apprenticeships.”

To widen participation in higher education, the Government has:

• introduced, and then increased student grants so that over two thirds of students get a full or partial grant of up to £2,835;
  
  
• introduced the ‘Aimhigher’ scheme as well as the ‘Aimhigher’ mentoring scheme to raise young peoples’ aspirations, encourage them that to believe that university could be for them, and help them get there;
  
  
• expanded the ‘gifted and talented programme’ to help pupils reach their potential;
  
  
• encouraged universities to form deep, long term structural links with schools, such as sponsoring an academy or trust school, to help raise aspirations, drive up standards, and help young people apply to university;
  
  
• increased investment in higher education by over 23% over the last ten years, so that more young people than ever before have the opportunity to get a degree.
  
  

Sadiq said “In these difficult times it is more important than ever to stay in education and make sure that you have relevant skills. Studies show that people who have higher levels of education tend to be better paid and have greater job security.”