The Higher Education Act 2004 included the introduction of variable training fees where an institution could set its own fee limits up to a maximum of £3,070 for 2007/08. The national standard level for the variable fee for 2007/08 is £1,225. The majority of Universities have set their fee at £3,070 and most School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers have set their fee at £2,000 - £2,700.
The West Midlands Consortium has carefully reviewed its training requirements and financial position before determining its tuition fee level for 2007/08. The Consortium was determined to ensure that its courses remain of the highest quality but did not want to add any more to students’ financial costs unless it was necessary.
The Consortium is pleased to announce that it will only charge the standard
level of £1,225 for 2007/08. This has been achievable without the
need for any reduction to the quality, content and range of activities
provided across the Design and Technology (D&T), Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) and Physical Education (PE) subject routes.
It is important to note that the fee of £1,225 is processed through
the Student Loan Company and can also be paid by the student directly.
All UK students will be eligible for a Higher Education Maintenance Grant
up to a minimum of £2,765. This is made up of £1,225 which
is non-means tested. The balance of £1,540 is means tested.
Further information about student finance can be found on the following websites:
Directgov – Student Finance
http://www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
This website provides information for prospective and current students
on the financial help available whilst in higher education – including
PGCE. (Use the ‘search this site’ option.)
It also provides information for parents or advisors about how the student
support system works and what financial help is available to students
in higher education.
Training and Development Agency
Course Funding
http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/coursefunding.aspx
This website includes details of the training bursaries for PGCE students
in priority and other subject areas. Information is also provided about
‘Golden Hellos’ and other financial incentives for priority
subjects including D&T and ICT. PE does not qualify as a priority
subject.
Office for Fair Access
http://www.offa.org.uk
This website lists all Initial Teacher Training providers Access Agreements
where their variable fee is more than £1,225. Such providers will
have to develop Access Agreements that indicate how they will safeguard
and promote fair access - in particular for students from low income groups
- through bursary and other financial support.
Alan Fowler, Director of Teacher Training, October 2006