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Response to Independent Panel Report to the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding

Master of Birkbeck, Professor David Latchman shares his response to the Independent Panel Report to the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding published today.

Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, addressing the room

Responding to the Independent Panel Report to the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding published today, Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck said:

"Birkbeck is unique in that many but not all of our students are mature learners who work whilst studying part-time and I am pleased that the review team have taken on board the evidence we shared with them to boost part-time student numbers. We welcome proposals to provide better support for this group, such as the introduction of a lifelong learning allowance and intermediate qualifications.

“We have previously called for and welcome proposals to cut tuition fees, provided that the fee cut is topped up by Government support directly to universities because mature students, who are particularly debt averse, are less likely to be put off from taking out loans, if they need to borrow less.

“We strongly support the proposal to scrap Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) rules. We have campaigned on this issue for a number of years because ELQ rules prevent some students who already have higher education qualifications from obtaining funding for fees or living costs, if they wish to continue with their studies. We also welcome other proposals in the report which make university more affordable to disadvantaged students, such as the re-introduction of maintenance grants.

"Birkbeck has strong and long-established partnerships with further education providers in London and we look forward to the further strengthening of these.

“We also look forward to working with the Government to ensure that proposals that benefit lifelong learning are implemented. "

 

The Independent Panel Report to the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding can be viewed here.

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