The publication last week of an excellent series of essays asking, ‘How should undergraduate degrees be funded?’ by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) has opened up an important debate. It seeks answers to the question of the deteriorating higher…
The recent resignation of Robert Halfon from the position of Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education has sent ripples across the government at a time when they are desperate for support. Having achieved notable success in gaining more funding…
The spring budget earlier this week presented a mirage for many who expect to pay more in tax despite some concessions. There was little on education generally and nothing on addressing the inequalities in higher education. While the government has…
Recent attacks on our universities in the media have refuelled the government’s deliberate campaign of deterring students from university. The attacks are serious and amount to ‘putting the boot in’ to damage the reputation of our universities. The latest data…
The 2024 Scottish Labour Party Conference last week was the largest ever and set the scene for a major advance in Scotland by 2026 to match the likelihood of a sweeping swing to Labour across the UK this year. The…
As Christmas is almost upon us, we might take a step back and think of goodwill to all. But this year it is tarnished by rising animosity against various migrant groups seeking shelter in the UK. There is no doubt…
It appears that many universities are reacting to the funding crisis and making redundancies and cuts. Scotland is leading the way with major cuts but many others will follow elsewhere. Christmas and the New Year are looking bleak. Hiding in…
The ‘Autumn Statement’ last week offered little respite for students trying to budget for the coming year. It’s a balancing act that could go very wrong for those with no safety net. The government plans offered nothing for students directly…
The packed WONKHE annual ‘Festival of Higher Education’ in the grand Art Deco setting of the University of London Senate House was sold out last week. The deliberations were pivotal at a time of crisis and change. This was no…
Universities UK (UUK) held its Access, participation and student success conference this week under a cloud of increasing financial pressure on students. The 2023/24 academic year will be a watershed year that triggers a major reform of university and student…
