With universities and colleges now successfully planning to offer bursaries totalling over £350 million a year, it remains important to look at other issues which ensure fair access, says Sir Martin Harris, Director of OFFA.
Speaking today at the HEPI Reform of Higher Education Conference, Sir Martin raised a number of points relating to the question of fair access to higher education (HE). He said:
‘An overview of the excellent financial support packages being offered by institutions from September 2006 strongly suggests that prospective students from disadvantaged backgrounds will not be deterred from applying to HE on financial grounds. However, as we move in to 2006, there are a number of other issues that need to be considered by the sector if fairness, during the application process, while studying and after graduation, is to be ensured.
‘There are many complex factors which will affect a person’s access to HE including socio-economic background, the opportunities presented to them in primary and secondary education, the subjects they study and the help they receive at the point of admission. There are also significant questions of ensuring support for students from families with no experience of HE while they study and as they move into the labour market.
‘It is clear that much work is being done throughout the sector to address these issues, but the task remains significant and long term.’
Notes
Sir Martin Harris was speaking at a conference organised by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Beachcroft Wansbroughs solicitors, ‘Reform of Higher Education Applications and Admissions: Implications for Universities, Schools and Colleges.’ For more information visit the HEPI web site.