The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) responded today to the first report from the Independent Commission on Fees, which assessed the impact of the increase in higher education tuition fee caps on application and admissions trends in universities [note 1].
Commenting on the report’s finding that there does not appear to have been a disproportionate drop-off in applications to higher education from poorer or less advantaged communities, David Barrett, Assistant Director of OFFA, said:
“There is no need for anyone to be discouraged from going to higher education on financial grounds, as no fees need to be paid up front and lots of financial help is available for students from low income backgrounds. For example, in the 2012-13 academic year, universities and colleges plan to give out £340.7 million in non-repayable bursaries and scholarships to students from low income backgrounds and other under-represented groups. They will also offer £93.7 million in fee waivers [note 2].
“However, we will not be complacent about the issue of access to higher education for disadvantaged young people under the new system. Many of those who applied for 2012 entry would have already made up their minds to apply to university or college when the new fee and student support system was announced. For younger pupils, who haven’t yet decided whether or not they want to go to university, it’s crucial that they get clear information, advice and guidance so they understand the new system and can make informed choices. The higher education sector has a key role to play in this, and must continue working with schools and advisers to make sure all pupils understand what financial support is available to them and how to get it.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
- Zita Adamson (OFFA Communications Manager) on 0117 931 7272
- Sophie Mason (OFFA Communications and Press Adviser) on 0117 931 7204
- or email press@offa.org.uk.
Notes for editors
- Read the Independent Commission’s report at http://www.independentcommissionfees.org.uk/wordpress/?page_id=47.
- Source: OFFA publication 2012/06, Access agreements 2012-13: Final data including initial teacher training, available at www.offa.org.uk/publications.