In response to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) report It’s the finance, stupid! The decline of part-time higher education and what to do about it, Maddalaine Ansell, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said:
“HEPI provides a timely warning that part-time higher education – essential if we really want to increase the productivity of the workforce – is in decline. We welcome their latest publication which brings together a number of influential voices arguing for sensible policy options to do something about it.
“The Open University argues convincingly that student loan finance should be made available for short courses and for equivalent and lower qualifications. This would make it easier for people to access advanced training and re-training opportunities – and improve both productivity and life chances in a flexible labour market.
“These ideas should be considered urgently and seriously by government. Reversing the decline in part-time numbers would be well worth the cost at a time when every pound of public spending has to count.”
