E/1982/3/Add.16
English Page 6
Further increases will be considered in the light of needs and the effectiveness of current work. Most local education authorities continue to give priority to this area in the context of constraints on over-all resources.
20.
As well as courses for adults there are many (e.g., Open University) suitable for adults wishing to study for "second chance" qualifications rather later in life than is traditionally accepted. The Government's recent decision to finance the
foundation of a credit transfer service, facilitating the acquisition of qualifications obtained by completing several course modules each earning credit for the student, should extend opportunities for adults wishing to complete their education.
C. Article 13, paragraph 2(a), (b), (c) and (e)
21. These criteria, in particular those in paragraph 2(a), were already well met in this country before the Covenant came into force. There have been no specific developments since 1976.
Paragraph 2(a) and (b)
22. It is the duty of local education authorities to provide, free of charge for tuition, efficient education to meet the needs of the population of their areas. This duty applies to the provision of primary, secondary and further education (1944 Education Act, sects. 7 and 61). All parents have a duty to ensure that their children of compulsory school-age receive full-time education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise (1944 Education Act, sect. 36). Compulsory school-age is defined (1944 Education Act, sect. 35 (as amended)) as "any age between five years and sixteen years". While education in the publicly maintained system is free, it is possible for parents, if they choose, to pay for their children to attend schools outside the State system on a fee-paying basis.
Paragraph 2 (c)
23.
The United Kingdom's policy on higher education continues to conform to the principle expressed in these paragraphs. In a recent White Paper (Cmnd 8139) the Government noted as its general aim the improvement of the participation rate in higher education within the current financial constraints. In recent years, a slightly diminishing volume of public funds was, because of these constraints, available for higher education. Statistical Bulletin 12/80 describes recent developments and future prospects in entry to full-time higher education in this country.
24.
Many full-time students are helped by awards from public funds. These awards are mandatory for most students taking first degree and other comparable courses and who qualify under national regulations (grants for other courses may be given at the discretion of a local education authority). They are assessed to cover tuition fees and a maintenance grant, but where parents can afford to contribute towards the cost this is taken into account. In all about 90 per cent of full-time students on advanced courses receive help from public funds. Some scholarships are available from endowments and from particular industries or companies.
/...