Higher Education: Staffordshire

In the House of Commons adjournment debate on higher education in Staffordshire, Adam Jogee, the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme, led the discussion. He highlighted the importance of Keele University, which is located in his constituency and is celebrating its 75th anniversary as the first new university of the 20th century. Jogee praised Keele's pioneering vision, global impact, and commitment to sustainability, noting that it was named the global sustainability institution of the year in 2021. He emphasized Keele's significant economic contribution as one of the largest employers in the area, with 39% of its workforce living in Newcastle-under-Lyme and a further 31% in Stoke-on-Trent. Jogee also discussed Keele's "Keele in Town" programme, which will transform an empty building in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme into a mixed-use community facility. Addressing the challenges facing the higher education sector, Jogee raised concerns about the financial pressures on students, including the real-terms fall in the household income level at which a student qualifies for the maximum level of support. He urged the government to give serious consideration to the needs of universities in the upcoming Budget. In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Janet Daby, commended Jogee for securing the debate and acknowledged the valuable contributions from other Staffordshire MPs. Daby highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring a sustainable funding model for the higher education sector, which supports high-value provision and meets the skill needs of the country. Daby praised the work of the University of Staffordshire and Keele University in driving local economic growth and innovation through strategic partnerships with industries. She also emphasized the government's efforts to address barriers to opportunity and support the aspiration of everyone who wants to attend higher education, including through initiatives such as the Steps2Medicine programme at Keele and the Staffordshire Children's University. Daby also discussed the government's plans to transform the apprenticeship levy into a new growth and skills levy, which will offer greater flexibility to employers and learners, and the role of the newly established Skills England in ensuring that local, regional, and national skills systems, including higher education providers, are meeting the skill needs of the country.