The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) announced an additional 56 million for 2006-07 and 2007-08 to encourage participation and improve provision for part-time students from the most under-represented groups.

DfES and HEFCE are providing 28 million each in funding which will allow institutions to extend their work with employers and communities to encourage under-represented groups to enter part-time higher education. The funds will also enable institutions to provide increased academic support to ensure these students succeed in their studies.