Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universities: Physical Teaching

Monday 6 September 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department assessed the impact of COVID-19 quarantine requirements and outbreaks on the return to physical teaching for the 2021-22 academic year.
  • Government aims to support and attract international students, highlighting their significant economic benefits to the UK.
  • The Secretary of State offered to discuss funding for a new building at Valley Leadership Academy with Jake Berry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marion Fellows SNP
Context

The question arises due to concerns about the impact of the pandemic on international students' ability to attend classes physically. The University of Stirling has implemented a supportive isolation accommodation scheme for red-list country arrivals.

Question

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of (a) covid-19 quarantine requirements for international students and (b) outbreaks of covid-19 in universities on the safe return to physical teaching in the 2021-22 academic year?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We have worked closely with the sector to ensure that international students will be supported and welcomed. Universities UK International has published bespoke self-isolation guidance for universities. The Government's approach to the lifting of restrictions has been guided by data analysis and advice from public health and the scientific community.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment but mentioned general support measures.

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Q2 Marion Fellows SNP
Education Economy
Context

The University of Stirling provides free on-campus isolation with meals, PCR tests and airport transfers saving students over £2000. This has significant economic benefits.

Question

Given the huge economic benefits that international students bring to this country, will the Government consider financially supporting universities to replicate the good practice at Stirling?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We work with the university sector throughout the United Kingdom to attract the highest-quality talent from around the globe to study at our universities. The hon. Lady is absolutely right to point out the important economic benefits that international students bring to the whole United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged economic benefits but did not commit to financial support for isolation accommodation.

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Q3 Jake Berry Con
Education
Context

The school sends pupils to university for vocational courses and qualifications. Two schools in Rossendale have received funding for rebuilding.

Question

With that in mind, I thank the Secretary of State for the funding to rebuild two schools in Rossendale—Whitworth Community High School and All Saints' Roman Catholic High School; will he also fund a new building at the Valley Leadership Academy for all the pupils who want to go on to vocational courses?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I would be more than happy to sit down with him to discuss it and see what can be done. He is absolutely right about the value of technical education and how it delivers so much not only for youngsters themselves but for the economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit funding but offered a discussion.

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Q4 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Education
Context

In November, a report showed that covid outbreaks could be reduced with the provision of air ventilation. The Welsh Labour Government committed funding but the UK has not.

Question

Why have the UK Government not provided funding to make campuses safe?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The hon. Gentleman seems to have missed quite a significant difference between this year and last year: we have rolled out one of the most successful vaccine programmes anywhere in Europe.

Not addressed: Did not address funding for air-ventilation filters but talked about vaccination efforts instead.

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Q5 Carol Monaghan SNP
Context

International students had to queue at a food bank in London last year due to economic opportunities drying up. Concerns about similar issues this academic year.

Question

What provision has the Secretary of State put in place to support international students should there be similar lockdowns during this academic year?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Such students have always had access to hardship funding, which is available to them as it is to domestic students.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific new provisions but mentioned existing hardship funds.

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