04 June 2004
Professor Ivor Crewe, the president of Universities UK, has warned ministers that the government's consultation on expanding university access is still too narrow in scope.
His comments are included in UUK's submission to the second phase of wide-ranging consultation on university access, undertaken by the Admissions to Higher Education Review Group.
University admissions emerged as a key issue in the government's Higher Education Bill – currently working its way through Parliament. Ministers have proposed the establishment of an Office For Fair Access, with specific responsibility for ensuring wider access for applicants from less privileged backgrounds, but this is opposed by universities.
However, Crewe revealed that UUK has other reservations. 'We are concerned that the focus of the report is still narrow and tends to look at good practice governing young A-level entrants,' he said.
'We would welcome more detailed guidance for admission staff in relation to other types of entrants, including mature students.'
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