Post-18 Education and Funding Review
02 May 2018
There are a number of ways in which the student finance system in England could be improved to address public concerns about affordability and ensure access for all prospective learners. However, the current system has benefitted students, taxpayers and the Government in important ways. It has helped to widen access to higher education – including for the most disadvantaged - and is starting to place university funding on a sustainable footing.
Any system for funding higher education needs to be fair and affordable to students, while still meeting the needs of taxpayers and of universities.
Decisions about where to strike the balance between public versus private contributions to the costs of higher education are, by their nature, political, but should be grounded in evidence and the need to ensure a sustainable, affordable funding system which brings both public and private benefits.
A whole-system approach is needed, recognising the broader purpose that universities serve, providing high-quality teaching for students, but also carrying out cutting-edge research and supporting business and innovation in their local community.
We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing review. Our initial response is below and we will be submitting further evidence in the summer.
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