Responding to a HEPI report
on student loans a Department for Education spokesperson said:
“The student finance system was built with students’
interests in mind, so that all those with the talent and desire
to attend higher education are able to do so, regardless of their
background.
“Repayments depend on the borrower’s income, ensuring
that loans remain affordable, whilst fairly sharing the
cost of higher education between graduates and the taxpayer.
“We remain committed to driving up the quality of standards
and educational excellence alongside ensuring a sustainable and
flexible student finance system. We will set out further details
of the Higher Education settlement and our response to Augar in
due course.”
Background information
- Monthly repayments depend on the borrower’s income, not the
amount borrowed or the interest rate
- We will continue to support students and the student loan
system will always ensure that those will the talent and desire
to attend university can do so, whilst making sure that the cost
of higher education is fairly shared between graduates and the
taxpayer.
- We want students to choose the education paths that work for
them and not be sold low quality degrees which is why our reforms
will focus on driving up the quality of higher education
provision, ensuing a more sustainable student finance system and
promoting genuine social mobility for people across the country.
- Protecting the mental health of students is vital, which is
why we asked the Office for Students to allocate £15 million
towards student mental health in addition to the £3m Student
Space, a dedicated student mental health and wellbeing platform
designed to bridge any gaps in support for students
- In May this year, DfE worked with the OfS to publish
a Guide to Graduate
Employment and Skills, designed with the sector and aimed
to help graduates with their next steps. This included a
section on Mental Health, signposting graduating students to
resources and support.
- Graduate employment and skills guide - Office for Students
- This guide is for students who have recently graduated and
are at the start of their career journey. It sets out four
important activities to help students think about their choices
and next steps.
