University leaders in the UK are urging the government to set a target of 70% of young people continuing their education after leaving school by 2040. This push comes from Universities UK (UUK), which represents vice-chancellors in the country. The aim is for this target to be supported by grants for disadvantaged students and a new fund for areas with low rates of university and college enrollments.
In addition to the 70% participation goal, UUK is calling for an increase in tuition fees in England and the restoration of maintenance grants. The organization is also recommending increased funding for teaching and research to ensure financial stability for universities. This would involve universities committing to an efficiency drive and collaborating more closely with businesses and local leaders to support regional growth.
The government is said to be considering these proposals, including increasing undergraduate tuition fees in line with inflation and restoring maintenance grants. However, any final decisions will need approval from the chancellor, Rachel Reeves.
According to Prof. Sally Mapstone, UUK’s president, universities play a crucial role in economic growth. For every £1 spent on universities, the government makes £14. The choice now is whether to invest in stronger universities that open up opportunities for a broader range of people or risk them declining.
The report by UUK comes 25 years after Tony Blair’s target of half of Britain’s young people attending higher education by the age of 30 was achieved before 2020. Now, the new 70% participation target aims to include all forms of tertiary education below degree level, expanding opportunities for individuals with different educational goals.
Prof. Nick Pearce, one of the authors of the blueprint, emphasizes the importance of improving the workforce’s skill base by encouraging participation in education beyond A-levels or BTecs but below bachelor degrees. This would involve expanding participation in all forms of education at level four and above, focusing on tertiary education and providing support for students with various needs.
While UUK’s proposals are calling for more government investment, there are also suggestions for a review of the current funding model. The current tuition fee system has led to disparities between universities and allowed for unsustainable practices. A publicly funded system, supported by a levy on big businesses, could create a more equitable and sustainable sector.
The report includes contributions from various individuals, each highlighting different aspects of the higher education landscape. Calls for a well-managed approach to international student recruitment, separating temporary and permanent migration in official statistics, and placing greater emphasis on retaining global talent are all part of the recommendations put forward.
The Department for Education has acknowledged the challenges facing higher education and is committed to ensuring the sector’s financial health in the long term. By refocusing on key areas such as financial sustainability, the government aims to support universities in delivering for students, local communities, and the economy.
