Government must aim to create a sustainable university funding
system in England, which supports learners from all backgrounds
to reach their potential.
Speaking at Universities UK’s annual conference in
Sheffield, Professor Dame Janet Beer, Universities
UK President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Liverpool, will say the government’s review of post-18
education and funding in England must raise aspirations, not
limit them:
“The review provides a fantastic opportunity to improve the
system for students in a number of ways.
“This review should offer solutions to address the long-term
decline in part-time and mature student numbers. It should
increase financial support for those most in need through
targeted maintenance loans to reduce fears about the cost of
living. It should help students move more easily between further
and higher education and it should strive to improve
understanding of the progressive nature of student loans and the
value of a degree for students.
“We know our Secretary of State for Education, , and Universities Minister,
, are personally committed to
increasing social mobility. Disadvantaged 18-year-olds in England
were 82% more likely to enter university in 2017 than in 2006. So
let us build on the foundations and successes already in place.
“With increased demand by employers for higher level skills, this
review should ensure that the system of funding supports learners
from all backgrounds to reach their potential throughout their
lifetimes, and that includes mature and part-time students as
well as 18-year-olds living away from home. The review must help
us continue to raise aspirations, not limit them.”
Notes to editors
- A full copy of Professor Dame Janet Beer’s annual conference
speech is available on the Universities UK website,
and is attached to this email.
