Responding to the announcements today from the Department for Education around Post-Qualification Admissions and the Lifelong Loan Entitlement proposals, University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said:

“We are pleased to see that our concerns were heeded concerning the proposed Post-Qualification Admissions reform. Moving to this model would have been disruptive and costly, forcing students to make potentially life-changing decisions in a short space of time and with an over-emphasis on exams. Halting plans to follow through on this reform allows space to retain the advantages of the current system whilst reforming certain elements – recommendations for which were covered in our consultation response. Now would not have been time for a radical overhaul, especially when the proposed measures didn’t address the issues that need fixing.  

We also welcome the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) proposal, along with the £60m investment intended for the Student Loan Company to support this. Ensuring that prospective students have the opportunity to earn a degree or further training within a flexible model that suits them, no matter their age or background, is essential for levelling up, social mobility and providing the UK’s workforce with the right skills to power a global economy.

We welcome the long-awaited confirmation that the student finance package for Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) will be put on a par with degrees, and available to part-time students as well. Enabling access to student loans, including maintenance support, for these qualifications is crucial to their success.”