If top-up fees are introduced, will they make students stay at home?

The survey of sixth form students at Welshpool, Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Llanfaircaereinion covered quality of life, employment, tourism and the closure of small schools

The report, which has been considered by Powys Council's Montgomeryshire Committee found that without exception, students did not see their future in their local areas.

There aren't many educational or job opportunities here for young people Eleri Short, sixth form student

But Paul Coackley, head teacher of Welshpool High School warned that they may not be able to afford to move away from home if university top-up fees were introduced.

"Most sixth formers want to go away to university and in Powys there is no choice because it hasn't got an university," said Mr Coackley.

"Nevertheless, the advent of top-up fees may provide financial pressures on students to stay closer at home in future.

"Another issue is that more students may consider taking on modern apprenticeship courses and HNDs rather than going to university."

Too close to home

However, some of the pupils who took part in the survey say they felt they had no option but to move away.

"There aren't many educational or job opportunities here for young people," said Eleri Short, who is in the sixth form at Llanidloes High School.

"People don't want to go to the nearest university at Aberystywth because they feel it is too close to home," added Ms Short, who intends to study in Cardiff after she finishes school next summer.

But her view is disputed by Wyn Thomas, the head teacher at Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, Machynlleth.

He said that most A-level students at the school wanted to return to the area after finishing their education.

"They believe that the Welsh Assembly Government could devolve more jobs to this area and provide better paid professional posts."

Cllr Mills wants to carry out another consultation with other pupils

One of the councillors who carried out the study, Bob Mills, said more needed to be done for young people in Powys.

"If economic regeneration is a must for our communities, then provision must be made for change," Cllr Mills said.

"Youngsters must be encouraged to see their future here, especially those who are clever enough to think of ways of making money," he added.

"They must be encouraged to get involved in local matters and I feel that more of these consultation exercises will bring these academic youths closer to the drawing board of the future."