21.01.08
Secretary of State's 2008-09 funding letter - 1994 Group Response
The 1994 Group of research-intensive, internationally-renowned universities welcomed the "very positive" direction of the funding allocation letter from John Denham, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
It said the letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England reflected the activity currently being undertaken by the sector across a wide range of challenging priority areas.
It singled out for particular mention:
- The commitments to increasing funding over three-year period until 2010-11 and to maintain the unit of funding.
- A commitment to maintain Aimhigher and proposals to work closer with Schools.
- Confirmation of increased allocations to the research councils.
- The recognition by the Secretary of State of the impact on universities of the new HEFCE policy on "equivalent or lower qualifications" (ELQs).
Steve Smith, chair of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: "The Secretary of State is sending a very positive message to the sector and it is very encouraging that has been keen to underpin his policy decisions with evidence-based research.
"Our member universities' commitment to work with the schools sector - one of the seven challenges for the sector in our Student Experience Policy Statement - will be reflected in this week's publication of our report on the 14-19s reforms. We are also talking to the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust about the development of a strategic partnership.
"But as a group we remain concerned both at the problems emerging in relation to the funding of the Science and Technology Facilities Council and their impact on physics, and at suggestions of cuts in the volume of funding at the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
"On ELQs, we would have liked to have seen a stronger commitment to review the implementation of the policy.
"Overall, it is gratifying that the new department is engaging so directly with the issues that we have identified as priorities for the sector."
Notes for Editors
- The 1994 Group brings together 19 internationally renowned, research-intensive universities. The Group's members are small-to medium-sized institutions, and are generally campus-based.
- Member universities are: University of Bath, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Birkbeck University of London, Goldsmiths University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of Warwick and University of York.
Contact:
David Jobbins
Head of Education
Candlestar Ltd
020 8600 7552
07770 452 047
david.jobbins@candlestar.co.uk