HIGH School head Alan Bell wants Government answers about plans for higher education fees.

The St Mary's RC High boss this week appealed to visiting Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh to query plans to burden families with tuition charges.

Welcoming the MP for Mitcham and Morden who handed-out awards on Tuesday at the Astley school he said: "There are many here at St Mary's who have been provided with opportunities afforded by the state education system in this country.

"We have attended state schools and gone on to Higher Education without having to pay fees.

"Students in future, as well as ending in debt with student loans, will be burdened with expenses from tuition fees.

"I fear in areas such as this, where families make financial sacrifices already to support their sons' or daughters' education, there will be some who will not take the opportunity of Higher Education because of financial constraints.

"This would be a personal loss for them and a waste of potential for the country. I ask you to urge the Government to think again."

This year at St Mary's exam results include 51% of grades awarded at A level being in a C or higher gradings, with 80% gaining two or more A levels and GNVQ students achieving 100% success in their studies.

Mr. Bell added: "I am proud of their achievements and pleased to take this opportunity to publicly thank parents for their support and the teaching staff of the school for their commitment to provide an education of a very high quality."

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