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David Ward MP <>
Government Advocate for Access to Education visits Bradford College
April 18, 2011 11:08 AM
Lib Dem deputy leader and Government Advocate for Access to Education, Simon Hughes, joined David Ward MP on a visit to Bradford College. 
David and Simon were joined by College Principal, Michelle Sutton, and Student Union President Nabeel Hussain, as well as other representatives from the college stuff and student body. Discussion included the Government's newly announced replacement for the Education Maintenance Allowance as well as student finance and the future of the careers service.
As the Government's Advocate for Access to Education Simon Hughes is working with the Coaltion to ensure that its goal of improving participation in higher education by those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds it met. The visit took place on the same day as Mr Hughes announced that he would be writing a report to the Deputy Prime Minister on how careers advice for students can be bought up to date.
During the visit Breakfast was served by some of the College's Catering and Hospitality students.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"Bradford College does a fantastic job providing the practical, vocational skills that young people need to get ahead in today's economy. FE colleges, like Bradford, can also act as the spring board to higher education for people who may have initially though a University education wasn't for them.
"I was delighted that everyone was so positive about the replacement for EMA which Simon has worked so hard on. Over 90% of students at Bradford College receive the full rate, and those who stay on will continue to get £20 a week next year."
Commenting Bradford College Principal, Michelle Sutton said:
"We were very pleased to welcome Simon to Bradford College. It was a great opportunity for managers and our higher and further education students to contribute to the direction of Government policy on improving access and broadening participation in education."