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.

“The Lib Dem proposals to expand the number of foundation degree places will not square the circle and it is extremely unlikely that Conservative proposals for an early repayment discount scheme on student loans could fund the 10,000 additional places that they have promised in 2010. In any case, an additional 10,000 places would only take numbers back to 2009 levels and we already know that there has been an 22.9% increase in applications on this time last year.

“Any investment made by the Government to fund additional places would be rewarded in abundance by providing life-changing opportunities for students and through higher returns for the Exchequer as a result of the increased earnings graduates command.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education

2. Pam Tatlow will be speaking at the Campaign for Learning seminar ‘University not the Dole: more places and fair funding for HE’ today, Wednesday 10 March.

3. For more information, comment or interviews from million+ please contact Victoria Mills on: 07900 277819