Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies has expressed his concern that more Welsh students are dropping out of university than ever before.

The most recent UK average dropout rate figures reveal that significantly more Welsh students are giving up on their studies than their English counterparts.

In 2006/2007 8.9 percent of Welsh full time first degree students dropped out, compared to 7.1 per cent in England. Mr Davies, who is also the Welsh Shadow Education Minister, 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."