15.07.07
1994 Group response to the Government's announcement to increase the student support package
As the group of universities recognised to deliver the highest quality student experience, the 1994 Group welcomes John Denham's announcement today regarding the substantial enhancement of the student support package, but also seeks further clarification of the financial impact of the changes on its member institutions.
Steve Smith, Chair of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter said: 'The 1994 Group strongly supports this announcement which will enhance student support for a significant number of students and will assist universities in moving towards their widening participation targets.
This support, however, is measured by a need for us to understand quickly the full financial implications of these changes to our bursary schemes. We seek reassurance that the changes will not place a new financial burden on the sector which could undermine the determination of our members to enhance the student experience through investment in members of faculty and in facilities for all of our students.'
Notes for editors
The 1994 Group represents nineteen of the most research-intensive universities in the UK. According to 2004/05 HESA data, 1994 Group members have a combined total of 190,000 students, research income of £453m and 18,000 academic staff. The 1994 Group universities have an international reputation for the quality of their research.
The first two National Student Surveys in 2005 and 2006 show that 1994 Group universities receive the highest levels of satisfaction. The top four mainstream institutions - St Andrews, UEA, Leicester and Loughborough - are all 1994 Group members. Birkbeck and Durham join them in the top 10. And the rankings for Exeter, Reading, York and Lancaster mean there are ten 1994 Group universities in the UK's top 18. The 1994 Group is consistently the best performer in this survey compared to other mission groups, improving on its excellent figures between 2005 and 2006. The Group's average NSS score for overall satisfaction is 4.14 out of 5, well above the national average of 3.99. Of the 42 subject groupings listed in the 2006 survey, 1994 Group universities received the highest student satisfaction in 18.
The 1994 Group provides a central vehicle for member institutions to protect their common interests in the higher education market, to respond quickly and efficiently to key policy issues, and to share best methods and practice for the smoother running of their own institutions. The Group, while working on this collaborative basis, recognises the need to preserve the distinct character and traditions of each individual member. There is ongoing assessment of how the Group's shared strengths and each member's distinctive elements can be promoted to best meet the diverse needs of students and staff, employers and industry, research councils, government agencies and all other stake-holding groups in the higher education sector.
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