POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION COURSE FEES

That this House notes with dismay proposals to charge variable fees for Postgraduate Certificate in Education courses; is concerned about the detrimental impact this may have on student numbers entering teacher training; further notes the withdrawal of 500 teacher training places this year and considers this reduction to be short-sighted, particularly when a report from the Centre for Economic Performance states that within the next 10 years nearly 50 per cent. of the current teaching workforce is likely to retire; and therefore calls upon the Government to reconsider the proposals to charge fees for those entering this vital public service.