Speaking following the launch of the proposals of the Independent Report of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance, Professor David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and member of the Browne Review team said:
“We must maintain a high quality system, offer a world class student experience and sustain opportunities for all who can benefit to study in higher education. At the same time we must ensure that the system is affordable for students, taxpayers and government.”
“The proposals offer a very good deal for students and a fair and progressive way forward. If the recommendations are adopted by government no-one will pay fees up front. Graduates, not students, make a contribution to the cost of their higher education, and they will only do so when they are in work and can afford it. Graduates will contribute only when they are benefiting from their higher education.
“There will be new quality guarantees and greater student choice. There will be a generous system of support for student living. The grants for the least well off will be increased, and no-one should be deterred from studying by the cost of their maintenance. Where families can contribute, they will; when then can’t, students will receive grants. Part-time students will enjoy the kind of support both for tuition and living that the current system denies them.”
“Our universities are a huge success story, second only to those of the United States in terms of reputation, quality, and impact. But despite this success Government spending on higher education will not be maintained at the current level; we are in line for deep cuts.”
“These proposals offer the best way to maintain a high quality, flexible higher education system which gives all who can benefit from higher education the opportunity to do so. If the government adopts these progressive recommendations, we will achieve the higher education system our country needs and that our students deserve.”
ends
Notes to Editors
Professor David Eastwood is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and a panel member of Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Support chaired by Lord Browne of Madingley. Professor Eastwood’s full biographical details are available at http://www.council.bham.ac.uk/membership/profiles/eastwood.shtml
For the full report of the Browne Review, visit: http://hereview.independent.gov.uk/hereview
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