Latest press releases
31 January 2012
New Director of Fair Access proposed by Ministers
Responding to the announcement by BIS Ministers, that Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think-tank million+ is their preferred candidate for the new Director of the Office of Fair Access (OFFA), Pam Tatlow said: “Les Ebdon is well-respected by students and all universities for his commitment to widening participation.”
30 January 2012
Government must respond to falling applications
The university think-tank million+ has commented on the latest 2012 applications figures released by UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) indicating that the hoped for ‘recovery’ in university applications has failed to materialise.
25 January 2012
million+ comment on Government’s grant letter to higher education funding council 2012-13
Responding to the Government’s annual grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university million+, said: “The Government should be congratulated for retaining their commitment to supporting the extra costs associated with attracting and retaining students from non-traditional backgrounds.
24 January 2012
million+ comment on reports HE Bill to be delayed
The university think-tank million+ has responded to a report in the Daily Telegraph, that the Government is considering delaying the Higher Education Bill, which had been expected in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
23 January 2012
Proposals to extend student numbers market ‘extraordinary’ before impact on social mobility is properly assessed
The university think-tank million+ has responded to a report in today’s Times, that the Government intends to extend the student numbers market in 2013/14 by allowing the unrestricted recruitment of students achieving ABB or above at A-level.
12 January 2012
million+ comment on 2010/11 HESA qualifications & enrolments data
Responding to HESA statistics that confirm a 1% decrease in full-time enrolments of undergraduate students and a 10% decrease in part-time undergraduate enrolments in 2010/11, Pam Tatlow said: “At a time of economic difficulty and rising unemployment the decrease in students enrolling at university is disappointing.
4 January 2012
Applications ‘recovering’ but overshadowed by decrease in older applicants
The university think-tank million+ has commented on the latest figures released by UCAS indicating that applications to study at university in 2012 have begun to recover compared to the initial decline in applications recorded in the Autumn.
15 December 2011
million+ comment on final UCAS figures for 2011
Commenting on the final UCAS figures for students accepted into university or college in 2011, the university think-tank million+ said that the statistics confirmed that demand from students outstripped the supply of places and called for the Government ensure that people of all ages were still encouraged to apply to university in 2012.
8 December 2011
million+ comment on Innovation & Research Strategy
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the Government’s Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth. Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+, said: “The Government has taken a very welcome first step with the introduction of innovation vouchers.
5 December 2011
‘Government view of social mobility is short-sighted and limited’
Speaking later today at a IPPR North event on Social Mobility, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, will say: “The Government’s view of social mobility is short-sighted and limited. The notion that getting more free school meal pupils to study at a few universities is the route to more social mobility is hopelessly narrow.
1 December 2011
million+ welcomes role of universities in new Higher Apprenticeships
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the involvement of universities in the Government’s programme to fund 19,000 new Higher Apprenticeships which will help to deliver high quality advanced skills crucial to the growth agenda.
29 November 2011
million+ comment on Chancellor's Autumn statement
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “The additional £1 billion allocated to the Regional Growth Fund for England will be a welcome boost to the Local Enterprise Partnerships in which universities are key players.
28 November 2011
million+ comment on university applications for 2012 – ‘Campaign to persuade older students needed’
The university think-tank million+ has commented on the latest figures released by UCAS showing applications to study at university in 2012 have declined compared to the same period time in 2011, with the steepest downturn being in respect of mature students.
9 November 2011
million+ comment on select committee higher education report
The university think-tank million+ has today (Thursday) welcomed a report from MPs which has concluded 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.
8 November 2011
million+ comment on Education Department’s Initial Teacher Training Strategy
The university think-tank million+ has commented on the Initial Teacher Training Strategy issued by the Education Secretary, Michael Gove MP.
30 October 2011
million+ comment on UCAS Admissions Process Review
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the Admissions Process Review and consultation published today by UCAS (University and College Admissions Service).
26 October 2011
Government concession on part-time fees is very welcome
The university think-tank million+ has warmly welcomed the Government’s decision to change the repayment terms for part-time students.
24 October 2011
million+ and NUS launch study of mature students
The university think-tank million+ and the National Union of Students (NUS) have today launched a new study into mature students to ensure that universities and student unions are supporting those who enter university for the first time later in life.
24 October 2011
million+ comment on university applications for 2012
The university think-tank million+ has commented on figures released by UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) showing applications to study at university in 2012 are down 9% on the same point last year.
20 October 2011
million+ comment on revised OFFA guidelines for access agreements
million+ has responded to the announcement by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) that it is publishing new guidelines for universities wishing to revise their access agreement due to the Government’s proposed changes to student number controls in 2012-13.
12 October 2011
million+ comment on college enrolment survey
The university think-tank million+ has responded a report released today (Thursday) by the Association of Colleges (AoC). The report shows that half of colleges have seen a decline in the number of students aged 16-19 this year.
4 October 2011
Think-tank calls for HE reforms to be 'paused'
Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think-tank million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, will use a speech later today (Tuesday) to call on the Government to ‘pause’ the reforms set out in the Higher Education White Paper. Speaking at a million+ fringe event at Conservative Party Conference, alongside Universities Minister David Willetts MP, Professor Ebdon will call on the Minister to re-think his plans.
28 September 2011
million+ comment on OFFA Monitoring Report
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the monitoring report from the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) for 2009/10.
25 September 2011
million+ comment on Labour’s announcement on university funding
Commenting on the announcement by the Labour leader Ed Miliband that Labour would have restored university teaching funding and limited university fees to a maximum £6,000 in 2012, Professor Les Ebdon said: “I welcome the recognition that teaching funding for universities is important and should be restored.
20 September 2011
Think-tank calls for re-think on student numbers market
In a response to the consultation on the Higher Education White Paper – Students at the Heart of the System the university think-tank million+ has called for the Coalition Government to withdraw its proposals to introduce a market in university places in 2012.
19 September 2011
million+ challenges 'narrow' social mobility agenda
In a new report ‘Universities driving social mobility – Beyond the Oxbridge obsession’, that will be launched today (Monday), the think-tank million+ has challenged the Coalition Government’s ‘narrow’ approach to driving social mobility within the Higher Education sector.
13 September 2011
million+ comment on OECD Participation in Education Report
The university think-tank million+ has responded to ‘Education at a Glance 2011’ report from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) released today (Tuesday).
1 September 2011
million+ comment on graduate employment figures
million+ has responded to the survey of activities of 2006/07 graduates released today by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+, said: “This survey confirms that even in times of recession graduates achieve very high levels of employment.
17 August 2011
million+ comment on Clearing / A-level results and availability for interview
The university think-tank million+ has advised students to contact universities quickly once they have received their A-level results and to be flexible if they have not got the A-level grades that they had hoped for.
17 August 2011
million+ comment on National Student Survey
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the publication of the National Student Survey which confirms that 83 per cent of students were satisfied with their University courses.
26 July 2011
million+ comment on Home Affairs Committee Student Visas Report
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the publication of the follow-report on Student Visas by the Home Affairs Select Committee.
21 July 2011
million+ comment on Hughes Report on Access to Education
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the publication of the report by the Government’s Access to Education Advocate, Simon Hughes MP.
12 July 2011
million+ comment on 2012/13 Access Agreements
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the decisions on Access Agreements for 2012/13, by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA). Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+, said: “The OFFA figures reveal that the average fee is likely to be £8,161 once fee waivers are taken into account. This is far higher than the £7,500 predicted by Ministers.
7 July 2011
million+ comment on university applications
Government at risk of missing a trick, says the university think-tank million+ following the release of UCAS figures showing an increase in applications to university on this time last year.
30 June 2011
million+ comment on HESA Destination of graduates leavers survey (2009/10)
million+ have commented on the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Destinations of Leavers survey of graduates from the 09-10 academic year.
28 June 2011
million+ comment on HE White Paper
The university think-tank million+ has commented on the Higher Education White Paper expressing concern that it ‘will do very little for the student experience and student choice’.
27 June 2011
million+ responds to ‘Training our next generation of outstanding teachers’ proposals
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the Government’s proposals for initial teacher training ‘Training our next generation of outstanding teachers’ which have been published today.
16 June 2011
million+ welcomes Student Visas debate
million+ has welcomed today’s backbench House of Commons debate on the Government’s changes to student visas. The debate is in response to the on-going concerns expressed by universities about the changes.
13 June 2011
million+ comment on £2.4 billion impact of student visa changes
The university think-tank million+ has expressed concerns about the cost to the UK of the changes to student visas, due to come into force next month, set out (today) in a Home Office impact assessment.
7 June 2011
million+ response to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report
Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Report on regulating financial sustainability in higher education, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “The Committee is quite right to conclude that BIS under-estimated the costs of the new funding system as well as the fees that English universities were likely to have to charge.
31 May 2011
million+ comments on another record year for university applications
UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) figures released today show an overall 0.8% increase in UK applications to study at university on this time last year. If this pattern continues, total applicants this year will reach well over 700,000.
26 May 2011
million+ comment on Hefce announcement of HEIF allocations
Commenting on HEFCE allocations from the Higher Education Innovation Fund for 2011-12 to 2014-15, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “The Government’s decision to maintain funding for HEIF was right.”
25 May 2011
million+ comment on Hefce support for strategically important and vulnerable subjects (SIVS)
Commenting on the evaluation of Hefce’s support for strategically important and vulnerable subjects (SIVS), Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “This evaluation of Hefce support shows that using public investment through teaching funding for particular subjects has made a difference.
17 May 2011
million+ calls on Government to avoid cull of world-class research in the UK
Leading think-tank million+ will today call for Government commitment to avoid focusing research funding into just a handful of universities, cutting off money for modern universities which produce world-leading research.
10 May 2011
million+ comment on extra university places at a higher price
million+ responds to reports in the Guardian newspaper that the Government is considering plans to create extra university places, available at the higher prices and with candidates not eligible for publicly funded loans.
13 April 2011
Think-tank questions doubling of funding to private providers at time of cuts
Following the publication (today) of the student support package for 2012/13, the university think-tank million+ has called on BIS Ministers to clarify how the Government will find the additional funding for private providers which the new package allows.
12 April 2011
Funding reforms mean less money for Engineering
The Chair of million+ has criticised higher education funding reforms as a poor deal for engineering. The resource available for engineering is likely to fall as a result of the Coalition Government’s new fees package.
6 April 2011
million+ comment on Vince Cable's speech to Hefce Conference
Responding to Business Secretary’s speech to the Hefce Conference, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “It is disappointing that Vince Cable thinks that the decisions being made by universities to charge higher fees are ‘irrational’.
5 April 2011
Government has 'missed an opportunity' on social mobility
The Government has missed an opportunity to reframe the debate about social mobility and chosen flawed indicators to measure its success in higher education, the university think-tank million+ said today.
5 April 2011
Government's claim on social mobility not true
Ahead of today’s publication of the Government’s strategy on social mobility, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, said: “The Government’s claim that social mobility has been stuck for a generation is simply not borne out by the evidence.
29 March 2011
Think-tank asks if Treasury has done its sums
With growing speculation about the cost of the Government’s new university fees package, million+ has published a paper questioning the Treasury’s decision to replace the public funding of higher education with borrowing that will add £13 billion to the public sector net debt by 2015/16.
23 March 2011
Apprenticeships welcome but Government must do more
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the Budget announcement that the Government will fund 40,000 additional apprenticeships and 10,000 higher-level apprenticeships but said the Government must do more to help the young and unemployed get on.
22 March 2011
million+ comment on international student visa announcement
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the Home Secretary’s plans to reform visas for international student coming to the UK. Professor Les Ebdon said: “The decision to keep open pathway courses and maintain opportunities to work in the UK once students graduate will be welcomed by universities.”
17 March 2011
Home Affairs Committee rejects Government student visa plans
Commenting on the Home Affairs Committee’s report on student visas, published today (Thursday) Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think tank million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This is a damning report.
17 March 2011
Universities and students paying the price for Government short-sightedness
Commenting on today’s grant allocations from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think tank million+, said: “The cuts in funding for university teaching are serious. Once inflation is taken into account, universities are taking a hit of nearly 10%.
11 March 2011
UK policy on International Higher Education is 'missing an opportunity'
In a report launched today ‘International Higher Education: Missing an Opportunity?’, the university think-tank million+ has warned that the Government’s fragmented approach to international higher education and proposed changes to immigration policy, risk damaging a key global market for the UK.
1 March 2011
million+ welcomes REF formula for research
million+ has welcomed the decision to reward excellent research that has led to wider social and economic benefits. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) and the funding bodies for the devolved administrations have announced that the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) will be based on a formula which will assess the overall quality profile of research in three different ways.
10 February 2011
million+ comment on Guidance to OFFA and National Scholarship Programme
million+ has commented on the Government’s Access Guidance to OFFA and on the details of the first year of the new National Scholarship Programme. The NSP was announced by Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Vince Cable, the Business Secretary in December 2010 just four days before the vote in the House of Commons which raised the tuition fee cap to £9,000 per year.
9 February 2011
million+ comment - OFFA should not be used as a price regulator in new fees regime
Commenting in advance of the publication of Guidance from Ministers to the Office of Fair Access (OFFA) and the Government’s National Scholarship Programme, the university think-tank million+ has said that the Government cannot expect OFFA to act as a price regulator.
7 February 2011
million+ writes to Simon Hughes ahead of Access Agreements publication
million+ has written to the Government’s advocate for access to education, Simon Hughes, pointing out that any proposals which restrict the freedom of universities to charge fees in excess of £6,000 would undermine the quality of the student experience for the majority of students.
4 February 2011
million+ comment on part-time student finance package
Commenting on the details of the new student finance package for part-time students, Pam Tatlow said: “Very few, if any, part-time students will complete their studies in three years. Under these plans, they will be expected to start repaying their fee loans while they are still at university.
2 February 2011
million+ comment on Hefce grant letter
The university think-tank million+ has responded to the grant letter from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce), announcing funding for universities and colleges in 2010-11 and 2011-12.
31 January 2011
Government must act on student places shortage
Commenting on the today’s UCAS figures, which show record demand for university places in 2011, the university think-tank million+ has said that the Government must act now on the shortage of places.
31 January 2011
Promise to help poorer students could become postcode lottery
In a policy paper published today, million+ has raised concerns that a flagship scheme to help the poorest students go to university is at risk of becoming a ‘postcode lottery’.
27 January 2011
Students left in the dark about interest rates on student loans
The university think-tank million+ has criticised proposals that keep students in the dark about the level of interest that will be applied to their student loans. Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “The plans tagged onto the Education Bill give the Secretary of State free rein to set uncapped and commercial rates of interest on student loans.
25 January 2011
million+ comment on AGR survey
Commenting on the Association of Graduate Recruiters survey, Professor Les Ebdon said: “This survey confirms the importance of graduate qualifications and the risks if the Government does not fund enough places for all those wishing to study at university in 2011.
20 January 2011
million+ comment on final UCAS figures for 2010
Commenting on the final UCAS figures for 2010, Professor Les Ebdon said: “These UCAS figures paint a worrying picture with 210,222 would-be students missing out on a university place in 2010. Over the last six years the acceptance rate for applicants has fallen from 78% to just 70%.”
22 December 2010
million+ comment on Sutton Trust access report
Commenting on the Sutton Trust report ‘Responding to the new landscape for university access’ Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “Concentrating on access to elite universities by younger students from free school meals backgrounds is a very imperfect measure of social mobility and a poor eligibility criteria for the Government’s National Scholarship Programme.
20 December 2010
million+ comment on Government’s grant letter to HEFCE
Responding to the Government’s annual grant letter to HEFCE, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ said: “Even at a time of huge reductions in public spending, the cuts imposed on universities and students by this grant letter are serious.
13 December 2010
Press Release: Taxpayer and Exchequer worse-off under fee proposals says million+
The university think-tank million+ has said that Ministers have some key questions to answer before the debate and votes on the tuition fee caps which will take place in the House of Lords today (14 December).
8 December 2010
million+ welcomes Minister's concessions made during debate with Pam Tatlow
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed concessions made by Universities Minister David Willetts during a debate with million+ Chief Executive Pam Tatlow on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
6 December 2010
Scholarship scheme is unworkable and unfair
Ahead of Thursday’s vote on raising the tuition fee cap, the university think-tank million+ has described the Coalition Government’s proposals for the National Scholarship Scheme as ‘unworkable and unfair’.
30 November 2010
Tuition fee increases are 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'
The university think-tank million+ has criticised the Coalition Government’s proposals for reforming university funding in England as ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ following the publication of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) economic and fiscal outlook for November 2010.
30 November 2010
'Fair, Progressive and Good Value?' million+ Report published
The Government’s proposals for the reform of university funding in England have been analysed by the university think-tank million+ and the international consultancy firm, London Economics in a new report ‘Fair, progressive and good value?’ published today.
25 November 2010
Disappointment at decision to axe 'flagship' Aimhigher programme
The university think-tank million+ has expressed its disappointment at the decision to axe the ‘flagship’ Aimhigher programme.
25 November 2010
Ministers still under-estimating inefficiencies of higher fee loans
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, has said it is a matter of concern that the Government is still relying on “inaccurate modelling” of their university funding reforms so close to a Parliamentary vote on proposals.
24 November 2010
million+ calls for consultation on Government proposals to reform teacher training
Following the publication today (24 November) of the Coalition Government’s School’s White Paper, ‘The Importance of Teaching’, the university think-tank million+ has called for full consultation on proposals to reform initial teacher training and for the Government to base its final proposals on evidence.
17 November 2010
million+ calls for Ministers to go back to the drawing board on fees modelling
The university think-tank million+ has added its voice to IFS concerns that the claims of Coalition Ministers that proposals to offset a cut in undergraduate teaching funding with higher fees and fee loans, are progressive.
17 November 2010
million+ calls on Government to publish equality impact assessment of fee proposals
The Chief Executive of million+, Pam Tatlow, has called on the Coalition Government to publish in advance of any vote in Parliament an equality impact assessment on the impact of Government proposals to cut teaching funding from the majority of undergraduate courses which will require students to take out much higher fee loans from 2012.
16 November 2010
million+ comment on UCAS provisional figures for 2010
Commenting on the UCAS provisional end of cycle figures for students accepted into university or college this year, Professor Les Ebdon said: “The UCAS figures show another large increase in applications to university but also paint a worrying picture. Unplaced applicants are up by one third and over 200,000 missed out on a place at university this year.
3 November 2010
Coalition should think again on university fees
The university think tank million+ has expressed profound concerns ahead of the Government’s response to the Browne Review, saying that MPs should think again about cutting public investment in undergraduate teaching.
21 October 2010
Scramble for university places in 2011 'entirely predictable'
Responding to provisional figures released UCAS, that show record numbers of students secured university places in 2010 but record numbers missed out, million+ has called for a significant increase in funded student numbers in 2011.
20 October 2010
Spending Review turns page on public investment with 40% cut in university funding to be financed by higher fees
Responding to today’s Spending Review, the university think tank million+ has said that the Government has effectively brought in higher fees by the back door by assuming that 40% will be cut from university funding between April 2011 and 2014/15.
18 October 2010
‘No race to the bottom in fees’ if teaching funding cut in Spending Review
The university think tank million+ has written to all MPs warning them that if Wednesday’s Spending Review adopts the Browne Review’s recommendation to cut direct public investment in universities, responsibility for the future funding of higher education will be transferred to students and graduates.
12 October 2010
Universities and students both losers from Browne
Responding to the Browne Review of university fees and funding the university think tank million+ has said that the majority of students will pay much more for their education whilst universities could be £500-£600 million worse-off than at present. Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Browne is a double whammy hitting both universities and students.
11 October 2010
University funding solution unlikely to be fair
With the Browne Review of university funding expected to be published tomorrow (Tuesday), leading university think tank million+ has warned that the outcome is unlikely to be either ‘fair or more progressive’. Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “If as expected Lord Browne’s report lifts the fee cap and the Spending Review results in huge cuts to the public funding of universities, whether they like it or not universities will be forced to charge much higher fees.
10 October 2010
Graduate Tax is a 'fair' option
The University think tank million+, which has recently published a research report on how a graduate tax might be implemented, has said it is ‘disappointed’ that Vince Cable has ruled out introducing a graduate tax.
4 October 2010
Government commitment to social mobility undermined by fees of £7000
Speaking before a million+ and NUS fringe at the Conservative Party Conference today (Monday), the Chair of the university think-tank million+ Professor Les Ebdon, will warn Conservative MPs and delegates that a market in university tuition fees, combined with the withdrawal of public funding in the Spending Review, will undermine the Government’s commitment to social mobility.
21 September 2010
University think-tank says graduate tax is a serious option
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the recognition by delegates at Liberal Democrat Conference that a graduate tax might be a serious option for the future funding of universities and has criticised a paper from the Institute of Directors that dismisses the idea.
19 September 2010
Lib Dem MPs must not stifle debate on university fees
Speaking before a million+ and NUS fringe at the Liberal Democrat conference today (Sunday), the Chair of university think-tank million+ Professor Les Ebdon, will warn Lib Dem MPs against voting through Lord Browne’s report on the future of university fees and funding before it is subject to full Parliamentary scrutiny including by the BIS Select Committee.
12 September 2010
Ignoring Graduate Tax option is ‘political convenience’
Leading university think tank million+ has today launched a report which outlines how tuition fees could be abolished and student debt reduced by at least £10,000 through the introduction of a graduate tax, warning that Coalition Ministers and MPs who fail to properly consider all funding options would be doing so for ‘political convenience’.
20 August 2010
150,000+ set to miss out on university
The unprecedented demand for university places has continued today (Friday) as applicants scrambled for the remaining places left in clearing. Responding to UCAS estimates that over 150,000 applicants were likely to miss out on university in 2010, Professor Les Ebdon said: “The individual tragedy for each and every would-be student that misses out is compounded by the fact that Universities are not physically full.”
19 August 2010
A-level results - ambition and attainment not matched by an increase in places
Today (Thursday) as thousands of students open their A-Level results, million+ welcomed the rise in attainment and aspiration but expressed concern that there remains a serious mismatch between demand for university places and supply.
18 August 2010
Clegg 'turning back the clock' on new generations of students
million+ has welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s clear commitment to social mobility, made in his speech earlier today. However, on the day before a-levels results are announced and with thousands of applicants expected to miss out on university due to a shortage of places, Professor Les Ebdon has warned that Nick Clegg is ‘wrong’ in insisting that increased participation in university has not increased social mobility.
18 August 2010
million+ warns that cuts could damage student satisfaction
Following the publication of the 2010 National Student Survey, Professor Les Ebdon said: “The maintenance of high levels of satisfaction is a tribute to the efforts and work of universities and their staff. There are now record numbers of students at UK universities and record number applying – these results indicate that studying at university continues to be one of the best decisions that people can make.
9 August 2010
million+ says that UCU figures no basis to rule out graduate tax
The university think-tank million+ has said that figures produced by the University and College Union (UCU) which suggest that nurses and teachers would pay thousands more if a graduate tax was introduced should be disregarded in the debate about the future funding of universities and students.
5 August 2010
million+ welcomes OFFA Report but cautions against increasing the bursary postcode lottery
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the Report from the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) which confirms an increase in spending and the take-up of bursaries in 2008/09. However, million+ has cautioned against universities with the highest numbers of students being disadvantaged in Lord Browne’s Review of fees and in the Government’s Spending Review.
26 July 2010
million+ warns against expansion of private universities
The university think-tank million+ has warned the Government against favouring private providers at a time when student numbers are being capped in publicly funded universities.
16 July 2010
million+ calls for additional places as record number of university applications confirmed
Figures released by UCAS confirm that a record number of applications had been received for full-time courses by 30 June. Overall the figures confirm there are 70,000 more applications than at the same point last year and the figures do not include people applying late or applications from those who want to study part-time.
15 July 2010
million+ says graduate tax should not be used as an excuse to cut student numbers
The university think-tank million+ has warned the Business Secretary Vince Cable against making students and graduates pay the price of cuts to higher education through less places and higher graduate contributions.
30 June 2010
million+ welcomes UCAS Tariff Review
Leading university think tank million+ has today welcomed the announcement of a comprehensive review of the UCAS Tariff, the points-based system used to assess the qualifications of those applying for higher education courses.
29 June 2010
million+ sets out the ‘University Challenge’ for the new parliament
million+ will today set out the ‘University Challenge’ that the new government and parliament face at an event at the House of Commons. Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, Pat McFadden MP, Shadow Secretary for BIS and Susan Nash from the NUS will all speak at the ‘University Challenge’ reception which is being hosted by Tom Blenkinsop MP.
25 June 2010
million+ comment on Vince Cable's grant letter to Hefce
Universities in England have had their budgets cut by almost £21m in the 2009-10 academic year and will be expected to manage this loss of grant even though the end of the academic and financial year is only weeks away, leaving institutions with little opportunity to adjust their operating costs.
22 June 2010
million+ questions Government commitment to social mobility with 25% cuts forecast
Leading university think tank million+ has criticised today’s Budget which leaves the department responsibility for universities and students facing further cuts of at least 25%. Universities have already been cut by over £1billion and had support for capital funding projects withdrawn. They now face an increase in VAT which will cost many institutions at least £1million per year.
14 June 2010
million+ comment on university places survey
Commenting on a Daily Telegraph survey, which shows three in four institutions are cutting or freezing university places in 2010, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, said: “This survey and recent figures from UCAS confirm that there is an unprecedented demand from people of all ages to study at university in 2010. The decision of the Coalition Government to reduce the number of additional university places means that there will be an even greater mismatch between those who want to study at university and the number of places available.”
10 June 2010
University think-tank critical of Minister's degrees 'on the cheap' proposals
Leading university think-tank million+ has criticised proposals made by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, which would result in students studying at FE Colleges rather than at university.
27 May 2010
New Government must not look for excuses as it cuts investment in universities
Responding to comments made by the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, in today’s Daily Telegraph, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, has warned Ministers against making easy excuses for a failure to invest in universities and students.
24 May 2010
Students are the 'real losers' as places at university are cut
The university think-tank million+ has criticised the Government’s decision to cut the number of additional student places saying that students are the ‘real losers’ as thousands see their chances of attending university dashed.
19 May 2010
Extra university places are needed to secure lifelong learning opportunities
Speaking at a Policy Conference on the Prospect for Lifelong Learning Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, set out the key challenges to securing lifelong learning in higher education. Ms Tatlow made clear that the additional places at universities, promised by the previous government but now under review by the Conservative–Lib Dem coalition, are vital to ensuring opportunity for all would-be students whatever their age or background.
17 May 2010
million+ submission to Browne Fees Review
The university think-tank million+ has submitted a report to Lord Browne’s Fees Review which uses an economic modelling tool developed by the international consultancy firm London Economics to assess alternative fees and funding systems for universities in England. The think-tank has said that the modelling tool will be made available to the Review team, the Treasury, BIS, (the Department with responsibility for universities) and MPs.
13 May 2010
million+ welcomes David Willetts' appointment
million+ has today welcomed the appointment of David Willetts as the Minister for Universities and Science. Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ said: “We wish David Willetts well in his new role and are delighted that a strong and knowledgeable advocate for higher education has been appointed to this post.
12 May 2010
Liberal Democrats hand future of university funding to Conservatives
The university think-tank million+ has today questioned the Liberal Democrats’ decision to hand over the future of university fees and funding to the Conservatives in the event of a disagreement between the new Government’s coalition partners.
28 April 2010
The real Higher Education 'disaster' is a shortage of places
The university think-tank million+ has today challenged the Lib Dems’ decision to simplify election discussions on higher education to a question of ‘no fees versus higher fees’.
21 April 2010
‘Could do better’ million+ verdict on Higher Education election pledges
The university think-tank million+ has today published a Higher Education ‘Scorecard’ with an invitation to Parliamentary Candidates to respond to what the think-tank says are key policy issues for the next Government.
15 April 2010
Expansion of university places has increased opportunity
million+ has welcomed the news, based on figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, of an increase in the percentage of students at university from state schools and low participation neighbourhoods. Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+, said: “These figures confirm the clear link between an expansion of funded places and widening participation.
14 April 2010
million+ challenges UCAS decision to withhold university application figures
The university think-tank million+ has challenged a decision by UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, not to publish the latest statistics outlining the number of applications from students hoping to start university in September.
6 April 2010
million+ comment on Hefce circular
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the invitation issued by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) to universities to bid for the 20,000 additional student numbers funded by the government on a one-off basis for the 2010 academic year.
31 March 2010
million+ comment on university participation figures
Commenting on the provisional Higher Education Initial Participation Rate figures, published today, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ said: “The increase in the number of people in the 18-30 age group studying at university is good news and is being matched by interest from older people who want to refocus their careers.
31 March 2010
Postgraduate report leaves many questions unanswered
Commenting on Professor Adrian Smith’s report One Step Beyond: Making the most of postgraduate education, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think-tank million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, welcomed the report but expressed concern that many questions about the future of postgraduate study have been left unanswered.
29 March 2010
International students are not being recruited as a 'cover-up'
Refuting comments by Martin Davidson, at the British Council’s Going Global Conference, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, said: “It is completely inaccurate to imply that UK universities are recruiting more international students in an attempt to cover-up for reductions in higher education in the UK.
24 March 2010
million+ welcomes 20,000 extra university places
Responding to today’s Budget, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think-tank million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, warmly welcomed the announcement of a one-off funding boost to create 20,000 more university places this September. Professor Ebdon said: “This £250 million investment will fund life-changing opportunities for students and will bring long-term benefit not only to individuals but also to the Exchequer. Crucially, the Treasury has also guaranteed to fund the full student support costs for these 20,000 students.”
23 March 2010
million+ comment on select committee's science cuts report
Professor Les Ebdon said: “The Science and Technology Committee’s recommendations that a broad research base should continued to be funded by government on the basis of excellence wherever identified is very welcome. MPs are also correct to identify the potential damage to higher education funding and to research of the proposed further reduction of £600m announced in the Pre-Budget Report.
19 March 2010
million+ comment on NAO report into Student Loans Company
Commenting on the Report of the National Audit Office into the Student Loan Company’s attempts to administer the grants and loans to which university students were entitled in 2009, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ said: “This report makes sorry reading.
18 March 2010
Funding ‘uncertainty’ is a problem for universities and students
Commenting on today’s grant allocations from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce), Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think tank million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “The funding council has clearly tried to ensure that the impact of reductions in the higher education budget are moderated in 2010/11.
10 March 2010
Investing in more student places will reap rewards
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think tank million+, has today called on the Government to invest in additional student numbers. Speaking at the Campaign for Learning seminar, University not the Dole, Pam Tatlow will say: “Labour has supported record numbers of students to enter higher education. However, there is a real risk that this good work will be undone if Labour doesn’t do more to meet the unprecedented demand for places in 2010.
9 March 2010
Report calling for less graduates is ‘out of touch’
University think tank million+ has labelled a report by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) as ‘out of touch’.
2 March 2010
Concentration of Research Funding will have Damaging Effect on UK Economy
Concentrating research funding and doctoral students in just a handful of universities will damage both the UK university sector and the economy as a whole, according to new research from university think-tank million+.
25 February 2010
million+ comment on Walport Report on Science and Learning in Schools
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed recommendations published by Sir Mark Walport and a Science and Expert Learning Group established by DCSF (Children, Schools and Families) and BIS (Business Innovation and Skills) to review current policy in respect of science and maths.
24 February 2010
million+ comment on bestCourse4me website
Commenting on bestCourse4me, a new website to help people thinking about university and career choices, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think tank million+, said: “In principle anything that adds to the information which potential students have prior to making decisions about which courses to study and which university to choose is helpful.
10 February 2010
million+ rejects flawed and simplistic approach to university funding
Commenting on the Policy Exchange report More Fees Please? Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of the university think tank million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “The simplistic approach of this report, which proposes changes to the contributions made by students whilst at university, could have an immensely damaging impact on participation.
10 February 2010
million+ gives evidence to Select Committee on impact of cuts
Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, today gave evidence to the Science and Technology Select Committee’s inquiry on the impact of spending cuts on scientific research. Professor Ebdon made clear that, even in difficult economic times, world-leading research should be funded wherever it is found and argued that there is no case to support the concentration of postgraduate doctoral students in just a handful of universities.
8 February 2010
million+ comment on record number of university applications
Commenting on figures from UCAS, showing a record number of applicants to higher education in 2010 and a 22.9% increase on last year, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire said: “The Government now has a straightforward choice: fully fund additional student places in 2010 or spend more on benefits for the thousands turned away from higher education.
3 February 2010
million+ comment on Race for Opportunity report
Commenting on the Race for Opportunity report: ‘Race into Higher Education’, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think tank million+, said: “The under-representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic graduates in senior management positions is a serious issue. However, this will not be resolved by relying on old-fashioned assumptions that BAME graduates can only succeed if they study at a handful of universities. “
1 February 2010
million+ comment on decision to restrict university student numbers to 2008 levels
The university think-tank million+ has described the cuts to student numbers imposed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (hefce) as a result of Government-imposed reductions in the higher education budget as completely counter-intuitive.
27 January 2010
Without extra university places, poorer students risk losing out
million+ has welcomed the news that more young people from the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods are entering higher education. Commenting on today’s report from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Pam Tatlow, said: “This is a good result for Government and universities which have widened participation in higher education…
25 January 2010
million+ response to David Lammy’s comments on university funding
Commenting on the articles by David Lammy and David Willetts, that appear in the Policy Review magazine, a million+ spokesperson said: “All universities undertake teaching and research. This has been the jewel in the crown of British higher education and has delivered enormous benefits to students, business and international recruitment.
21 January 2010
million+ comment on UCAS final figures for 2009
Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+, said: “The 2009 UCAS figures show a significant increase in the number of people over 25 going to university. Many of these applicants will be non-traditional students who did not have the opportunity to go to university straight from school or college.
18 January 2010
million+ comment on Government plans to boost social mobility
Commenting on the Government’s response to Unleashing Aspiration, the final report from the Panel on Fair Access to the Professions, the university think-tank million+ has welcomed the proposals to establish a UK Professional Forum to be led by Government HE Minister David Lammy.
18 January 2010
million+ comment on David Cameron’s proposals to create a panel of good universities
Responding to David Cameron’s announcement that he intends to pursue a “brazenly elitist” policy to exclude graduates from some universities entering the teaching profession, Professor Les Ebdon has said that the scheme shows “an amazing ignorance” of the role of post-92 universities in both teaching science and in training teachers.
14 January 2010
million+ comment on HESA qualifications & enrolments data
Responding to the sharp increase in full-time enrolments of undergraduate students in England, Pam Tatlow, said:“The 7.7% increase in full-time undergraduates in England, confirmed in the 2008-09 HESA figures, is indicative of the increasing interest in going to university. Demand rose even more in 2009 and universities are facing fines for over-recruiting students.
13 January 2010
million+ report calls for "equality" in funding for part-time students
million+ have today called for a single fees system for full-time and part-time students in Higher Education. The ‘Fair Funding for All’ report recommends that university should be free at the point of study and sets out a unified package of student support for all undergraduates.