15.03.07
Institutional Investment in Bursary and Scholarship Schemes and Outreach Activities
The 1994 Group welcomed the statement made this afternoon by Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Higher Education, on the progress of Higher Education institutions towards investment in new bursary and scholarship schemes and outreach activities.
Responding to the statement, Professor Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter and Chair of the 1994 Group said:
'The 1994 Group welcomes the Minister's statement today. As a group we are rightly proud of the substantial new investment in bursary and scholarship schemes and outreach activities made possible in our institutions this year through the introduction of the new variable fee arrangements.'
In 2006-07, 1994 Group institutions are estimated to be investing £16.5 million in new bursary and scholarship schemes and outreach activities. This investment is estimated to rise to £45 million in 2008-09. These sums are in addition to the significant amounts already invested by members in bursaries and scholarships from charitable and other sources.
'Institutions are actively reviewing the success of their new schemes and activities to ensure that support is received by all eligible students,' said Professor Smith.
In addition, institutions are investing significant sums to ensure that their schemes are accurately targeted at those most in need; and that all future applicants are aware of the wide range of support available both from the government and from institutions for which they are now entitled.'
Notes for editors
Established in 1994, the 1994 Group brings together nineteen internationally renowned, research-intensive universities. The Group provides a central vehicle to help members promote their common interests in higher education, respond efficiently to key policy issues, and share best methods and practice.
The 1994 Group represents nineteen of the most research-intensive universities in the UK. Our members tend to be campus-based, small- to medium-sized institutions. They operate on a scale which allows them to respond rapidly and flexibly to student needs whilst having sufficient size to make a substantial contribution to high-quality research.
Our members make the research and teaching experience more personal, maximising contact between staff and students. The majority of the top 1994 Group academics who achieved outstanding results in the Research Assessment Exercise also teach. The Group's aggregate performance in the National Student Survey substantially exceeds the sector as a whole.
Members of the 1994 Group are Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham, East Anglia, Essex, Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Lancaster, Leicester, Loughborough, Queen Mary University of London, Reading, Royal Holloway University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies University of London, St Andrews, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick and York.
Press Enquiries: Stuart Franklin, Head of Press and PR, University of Exeter, 01392 263146, Paul M. Marshall, Executive Director, 1994 Group, 0207 1642095
1994 Group: www.1994group.co.uk