Politicians make changes to financial support for students

Grade boundaries also changed for children in care

Students who have been in care, or who have been carers, will benefit from changes to student awards after politicians greenlit changes to financial support and grade boundaries. 

The changes to university funding were approved by Tynwald at the last sitting before this summer's General Election.

The minimum entry threshold is being lowered, from 80 to 72 UCAS points, for students who have previously been a ‘looked-after child’ and for those who have caring responsibilities.

Moving the regulations Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine said: "Often these students do not have the same opportunities for study time, or access to resources, because of their life circumstances and this change is intended to reduce some of the barriers they may face."

The amendments also close a potential loophole by inserting the word 'charitable' to ensure students with substantial private trust income do not inappropriately qualify for support.

Another change sees income threshold for loan repayment increase from £25,000 to £27,000, aligning the repayment trigger with Island's minimum wage levels. 

Mrs Caine confirmed this would apply to all existing loan recipients.

The regulations allow for increases in the available tuition fee loan amount in response to UK government policy on rising tuition fees.

Mrs Caine told Tynwald: "These amending regulations strengthen student awards and aim to remove barriers and provide greater clarity. They are measured and proportionate amendments."

Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood welcomed the changes for care leavers but called for additional support saying: "I would really like to see the department making some moves towards supporting them towards success in their academic endeavours."

Ms Caine responded that academic tutoring support would be considered within department policy.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper asked whether the changes would apply to people currently in receipt of tuition loans to which Ms Caine confirmed the repayment threshold change would apply to all.

The regulations were approved by 17 votes to four in the Keys and nine votes to none in the Legislative Council.