Vice-chancellors call for increased tuition fees and higher education targets

University heads have put forward a plan for change that calls for major increases in higher education participation and funding.

The proposal from Universities UK (UUK), the group representing university leaders, argues for a goal of 70% of young people continuing education after school by 2040, along with an increase in tuition fees in England.

The plan comes as universities face financial pressures and concerns over international student numbers.

UUK’s recommendations include restoring grants for disadvantaged students and establishing a new “tertiary education opportunity fund” to boost enrolment in areas with low participation rates.

Prof Sally Mapstone, UUK’s president and vice-chancellor of the University of St Andrews, stressed the economic value of universities, stating:

“Universities are essential to economic growth. For every £1 spent on them, the government makes £14.”

However, Mapstone warned of a turning point for the sector:

“We face a choice. We can take the path that leads to better and stronger universities, delivering on the new government's missions, and doing more to open up opportunities to a broader range of people, or we can let them slide into decline.”

The ideas come 25 years after Tony Blair's call for 50% of young people to attend higher education, a goal that was met before 2020.

Prof Nick Pearce of the University of Bath, one of the blueprint’s authors, clarified that the new 70% target should include all forms of tertiary education, including sub-degree courses.

“This is not a 'university' participation target; it is one that would expand participation in all forms of education at level four and above, for example on sub-degree courses, such as higher national diplomas,” Pearce explained.

The plan has drawn mixed reactions from within the education sector.

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, backed the call for more government investment but pushed for a bigger change to the funding model:

“Universities UK is right to call for more investment from government, but this must come alongside a wholesale review of the current funding model,” Grady said.

She suggested “a publicly funded system, backed by a levy on big business,” arguing it would "end the feast-or-famine admissions free-for-all, distribute funding more evenly, and help create a much more sustainable sector.”

The blueprint also addresses the tricky situation of international students.

David Willetts, a Conservative peer, called for “well managed” international student recruitment and suggested removing student visa holders from headline migration statistics.

This comes after recent policy changes that have led to big drops in overseas enrolments

A Department for Education spokesperson responded to the proposals, stating:

“We will create a secure future for our world-leading universities as engines of growth and opportunity so they can deliver for students, local communities and the economy.”

The spokesperson added that the education secretary has taken steps to refocus the role of the Office for Students on key areas such as monitoring financial stability.

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