Beith calls on Minister to remember needs of rural students

12.30.00pm GMT Mon 21st Jan 2008

Berwick's Lib Dem MP Alan Beith has called on the Secretary of State for Education, Ed Balls, to ensure that the full range of diplomas for 14-19 year old students will be available in rural areas.

The Government has announced that a major overhaul of the 14-19 curriculum will be carried out to ensure there is a greater focus on functional skills in English, maths and information and communications technology. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Balls said

"By 2013, all students everywhere in the country will be able to choose one of our first 14 diplomas."

Mr Beith intervened, saying

"How will that happen in an area where the nearest college of education is 50 miles away?"

Mr Balls said that the full choice of diplomas would be available throughout the UK and that transport was a very important issue to consider.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Beith said

"I am not sure that the Labour Government has grasped the difficulties of accessing education which students in our rural area face. We have seen the Labour-controlled County Council increase transport charges for post-16 students, and the impact that has had on students staying in education. Getting from the most rural parts of the constituency to the Northumberland College at Ashington or the Newcastle College requires an enormous commitment on the part of students and their families.

"I will be paying careful attention to the Government's plans to roll out 14-19 diplomas and see how these will be available to all students as the Government has promised."