Thu 10th November, 2011
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire has welcomed a report concluding that the Government’s controversial plans for a student numbers market should not have been introduced at the same time as the significant increase in fees.
Speaking as Chair of the university think tank million+, Professor Les Ebdon Ebdon CBE DL was responding to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee report on the Government’s reforms of higher education and the Committee’s criticisms that the reforms have resulted in muddled messages.
Professor Ebdon said: “I welcome the fact that MPs have recognised that a great deal of uncertainty has been created for students and universities because of poor communication and too many policy changes introduced by Ministers at the last minute.
“MPs are also absolutely right to recommend that changes to student number controls should not be introduced at the same time as changes to the fees and funding system.”
Professor Ebdon also welcomed the Committee’s proposals for the equivalent of a pupil premium to be made available to universities.
He said: “The Committee’s suggestion that the Government introduces a pupil premium for universities is a good one but it has been undermined by the late imposition of price constraint via the 2012 student number controls. This will result in universities which teach the majority of students from more disadvantaged backgrounds receiving less taxpayer-backed funding.
“Any move by Ministers to change the criteria for degree-awarding powers to permit non-teaching organisations to apply for university title will not only undermine the role but also the international reputation of UK universities. The Government would now do well to heed the advice of the Committee rather than push ahead with this proposal.”
Latest news» 2011» November» Uni Vice Chancellor welcomes report on reforms
