David Latchman, Vice-Chancellor, welcomes Government’s response to Augar’s post-18 review into higher education
Responding to the government’s announcement about creating a fairer higher education system in response to Sir Philip Augar’s review of post-18 education, Professor Latchman, Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London said:
“I welcome further detail on the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) which has the potential to be transformational for working adults seeking to access education. We also welcome the Government’s proposal to retain Foundation Years in higher education, as these provide an important access to university for students who may not have gained the qualifications needed to enter straight onto a degree course.
“I am pleased that students studying for part-time degrees will not have to attain the minimum entry requirements to access a student loan to cover their fees, as most students studying part-time at Birkbeck, do so whilst they work or maintain other commitments outside of their studies, which gives them important life experience that they bring to their studies.
“I also welcome the proposal to continue to allow mature students to secure loans, whether or not they meet the minimum entry requirements. To continue to open up higher education to more people from disadvantaged backgrounds, I firmly believe mature students should be able to access loans from the age of 21.”