Degree of separation, by Judy Hirst

3 Sep 09
JUDY HIRST | It seemed a good idea at the time. Tony Blair’s ten-year target of getting 50% of young people into higher education – attacked by some as utopian – fitted the meritocratic mood nearly a decade ago.

It seemed a good idea at the time. Tony Blair’s ten-year target of getting 50% of young people into higher education – attacked by some as utopian – fitted the  meritocratic mood nearly a decade ago.

And some limited progress has been made. More young women and ethnic minority students now participate in higher education, and record numbers are applying for degree courses.

But, as the 2010 target date approaches, overall HE participation levels are still only 43%,  a long way off the government’s goal. Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary Lord Mandelson has called on universities to do more to improve social mobility.

How ironic then that, just as higher education has experienced a 10% jump in applications, serious obstacles should be put in the way.

A combination of factors – the recession, demographics and improved educational attainment – have boosted the numbers.

However, up to 40,000 applicants could miss out on a place, thanks to a severe funding shortfall. This year’s Budget lopped £180m off 2010/11 higher education spending.

And, although 10,000 more student places have been created in response to demand, there is no extra funding for teaching.

Not surprisingly, a number of institutions have turned down the offer of extra places. Others face deep financial difficulties, and are making large-scale job cuts.
It is tempting in these circumstances to consider raising the £3,225 cap on student fees to bring in extra revenue, or – as is rumoured – provide some degree courses on the cheap.

Reports this autumn from the former Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and a forthcoming review of top-up fees, will no doubt raise the stakes  further.
Ministers should tread cautiously before making any such moves. Not only could they undermine the competitive position of UK universities but there are regressive social consequences involved in adding to the levels of student debt.

Young people from the poorest families tend to be the most debt-averse. The modest moves that have been made towards widening HE participation could be put at risk by short-termist, cost-saving measures.

The cuts to university spending should be restored, and the 10,000 new student places fully funded.

A 50% participation rate might not be immediately achievable, but it remains an important aspiration – whatever the next government’s political stripe.

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