A degree of change for Oldhamers

NUMBERS of Oldham students opting to go to university are increasing at a faster rate than most other areas, according to Government figures.

In the last decade, numbers have increased from 695 in 1997 to 980 in 2007-08 — a rise of 41 per cent.

A breakdown revealed an additional 200 Oldham East and Saddleworth students went off to university with figures increasing from 325 in 1997 to 535 in 2007-08.

Oldham West and Royton recorded a hike from 370 to 445.

The Government figures, published in response to a parliamentary question from the Tories, revealed a 25 per cent rise nationally in numbers entering higher education.

Higher education minister David Lammy said: “I welcome the figures which clearly show that, alongside record investment in higher education, real progress is being made across England in expanding the numbers of young people going to university.

“There has been considerable growth over the last 10 years across the country, but it is particularly encouraging to see the marked growth in some of the most disadvantaged areas.”

The number of people wanting to study undergraduate courses at UK universities starting in September has risen by eight per cent compared with last year.

Figures produced by the admissions body UCAS also revealed a 13 per cent rise in applications from over-21s, and 12 per cent from EU nationals outside the UK.

The Government says despite the hard economic times people still value getting a degree.