Latest press releases
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.