In which Nickers describes his opposition to Top-up fees and describes a conversation with his local MP.

One of the things I like doing most of all is chatting to MPs about student issues, and in 2006 the most important student issue is Top-Up fees. There are many aspects that need to be looked at, and many fights that need to be fought, but one aspect close to my heart is the funding of the Post Graduate Courses in Education (PGCE). I come from a family of teachers and I think the proposed shift from having the tuition for PGCE paid in full with an extra to counter the debts from their first degree to potentially being charged £3,000 can only stunt the number of students going into education. An Early Day Motion (EDM) asking for this stance to be reviewed has been tabled at parliament and I wrote to my MP – Rob Wilson to support this.

Here is my letter and his reply:

“Mr Wilson,

As someone who comes from a family of teachers I am concerned. The availability and quality of Education will always be reflected by the availability and quality of our teachers. I believe the current culture towards paperwork and targets is turning prospective teachers away. The Education sector is in desperate need of reform and in desperate need of strong teachers to carry those reforms through. I don’t believe we can afford to turn good teachers or prospective teachers away.

For this reason, I am asking you to support the Early Day Motion tabled by Paul Farrelly. This requests the Government review their decision to allow variable fees of up to £3,000 for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I believe that the introduction of these fees will turn students away from teaching and that this should be avoided.

I know Education is one of your top priorities and your experience as Students’ Union President will tell you how important the community of teaching students is to Reading, especially on our Bulmershe Campus, so again, please support EDM 1229.

Regards,
Nick Smith”

“Dear Mr Smith,

Thank you for your letter concerning EDM1229 and tuition fees for student teachers.

I am not naturally a supporter of top up fees and you will note that my party did not support them at the last General Election.

I am giving the matter careful consideration at present and therefore will not sign EDM 1229 at this time.

Thank you for writing, I hope you have a happy Christmas and New Year break.

Yours Sincerely,

Rob Wilson MP
Member of Parliament for Reading East”

I have followed this up with the following response.

“Dear Mr Wilson,

Thank you for your letter of 22nd December 2005.

I’m glad to hear you are not a supporter of top up fees. While I am aware that the Conservative party did not support them at the last General Election I am also concerned that the new leader of your party will cause a turnaround* on the issue. I fundamentally believe that Education should be funded for all and that we are not in a society unconcerned with debt and I still believe that Top-up fees will turn students away from University.

I hope that whilst you consider your stance on EDM 1229 you do bear in mind your previous opposition to them and the students who voted in the last general Election.

Yours Sincerely
Nick Smith”

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on this issue, but if any student would like to know more about the issues being discussed, or how you can also write to your MP please let me know.

*UPDATE - This was written before David Cameron did do a U-turn on Top-UP Fees (despite writing the Conservative Education Manifesto for the last general election where he opposed them)