Students hit by rising debt fears (From Western Telegraph)

Students hit by rising debt fears

The fear of mounting student debt is deterring some talented Pembrokeshire youngsters from going on to university.

At least three pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard, have decided they do not want to face paying back thousands of pounds of student loans after completing their studies. Instead, they are looking for careers closer to home.

Eighteen-year-old Daniel Morris, Cwmcoed, Nevern, was delighted to gain a grade A in IT, B in geography, and C in religious studies at A-level.

But he had already made up his mind he was not going on to university. Instead, he contacted companies locally.

"Student debt did definitely scare me off," said Daniel, "I spoke to a number of local companies, two offered to train me on the job, and I will be accepting a job with a web design company.'

"I feel lucky to be training in industry instead of having completed a course and saying that I can 'supposedly' do something."

Ms Christine Wright, headteacher of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, said: "We have three or four pupils this year who had done very well with A, B and C grades, who could have gone on to university but decided not to.

"For the Government to say that students are not being put off by increasing debt is tosh. It's happening and some very able pupils and their parents are being frightened off by debt.

"A lot of talent will be going to waste in the country and it will result in not very bright pupils from rich families, going to university, while more talented students are losing out."

However, Mrs Pamela Munday, head of Milford Haven School, said so far student debt had not put off her pupils.

"This is especially surprising in the Milford Haven area, where there is a lot of hardship," she said. "Pupils have jobs throughout the sixth form, save up, take out student loans and they seem to manage."

Mr Pete Spencer, Pembroke School's assistant head, said: "This is a big concern for young people but, through our initiative 'Aiming High', we give students balanced information so they can make an informed decision."

Pembrokeshire College said that the number of applications for higher education was on a par with other years.

A spokesperson added: "We have, however, noticed that when students are making their higher education choices they are looking at where their courses will lead them in terms of employment."

The National Assembly is looking at student financial hardship in Wales, including tuition fees.

Students, parents, universities and colleges await with interest the Rees Review due out next year.

Assembly Education Minister Jane Davidson announced recently that the Rees Commission will look at how a student funding support system can be devised that will meet the needs of students in Wales.