COMMENTING on new figures showing a continued rise in the number of students dropping out of university in Wales, Shadow Education Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"These are worrying figures which undermine the Assembly Government's efforts to broaden access to higher education and create more opportunities for younger people.

"The decision to drop out of college or university can be triggered by a number of factors, including the financial cost of paying for tuition fees and living costs.

"Ministers cannot hope to encourage more people to take‐up university degree courses without providing the appropriate support to help students complete their studies."