Agreement was reached to transfer responsibility for the higher and further education student support system in Wales, together with the tuition fee regime, from Westminster to the Welsh Assembly (subject to legislation). It was envisaged that the transfer would take place in 2006-07.
Source: House of Commons Hansard, Written Ministerial Statement 17.7.03, columns 84-85WS, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Hansard | WAG press release | Wales Office press release
Date: 2003-Jul
A research study found evidence of an achievement gap between the results of ethnic minority pupils in Wales and those of pupils as a whole. Wide variations in attainment were found between different groups: Indian and Chinese pupils tended to achieve better than the national average, while those from African-Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds achieved significantly less well than the national average.
Source: English As An Additional Language Association of Wales, Building Partnerships and Breaking Down Barriers, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 6079)
Links: WAG press release | CRE press release
Date: 2003-Jun
The Welsh Assembly Government announced that it would not be introducing variable ('top-up') fees for higher education institutions in Wales for the next Assembly term - but said that it did not rule them out in the longer term.
Source: Press release 14.3.03, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Press release
Date: 2003-Mar
