11.03.09
1994 Group welcomes Government’s Higher Education Framework
Welcoming the publication of the Government’s Higher Education Framework, Professor Paul Wellings, Chair of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor of the Lancaster University said:
“The Higher Education Framework sets out a bold and progressive vision for the sector – a sector which is diverse, dynamic, impactful and accessible. Not all universities are the same – the UK cannot sustain 140 full service universities and expect them all to succeed at the same level in the same tasks. Diversity and differentiation of task and mission underpins the excellence of the UK HE system.”
“It is critical that we maintain the academic quality of UK higher education and continue to enhance the student experience so that universities are able to meet student expectations and the nation’s needs. To deliver this bold vision it is crucial that the imminent funding review sets out a sensible and robust system of funding. This must provide a long-term sustainable environment to ensure that UK’s world-class universities can continue to deliver a very high quality academic experience to all students and meet business needs.”
“The 1994 Group has consistently called for more transparent and accurate information around the student experience to be provided. There is a need across the sector for a wider availability of data and information to better inform the decisions of applicants at all levels, and to help HEIs identify problem areas and work to enhance aspects of the student experience. We welcome the Government’s proposals to strengthen the information available.”
“We strongly support the Government’s recognition that to ensure research excellence and increase impact ‘more research concentration, not less’ is required to support the world-class research areas within our universities. In doing this, the Government must fund, on a competitive basis, the very best research wherever it is found, based not on past reputation but on demonstrable excellence and achievement.”
“We agree that scarce resources must be carefully allocated to deliver maximum impact. However, addressing current national priorities and future global challenges relies on the successful interplay of all subjects. We need to complement much needed investment in science subjects with continuing investment in arts, humanities and social sciences. We must protect our entire research base.”
“We look forward to contributing to Sir Martin Harris’ review on ‘further action that could be taken to widen access to highly selective universities for those from under privileged backgrounds’. It is crucial that all students with the ability to go to university are able to access the top universities. 1994 Group universities are working closely with schools to encourage prospective students from all backgrounds to apply to leading universities. Our universities are investing over £45m this year in student support and outreach activity and offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that continue to grow annually.”
“We welcome greater competition between universities for teaching funding based on excellence, however the Government must carefully define future skills needs looking more widely than just STEM subjects. The UK economy needs graduates who are culturally, socially and intellectually aware to meet employers needs, develop new industries and seize new opportunities.”
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Notes to Editors
1. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. www.1994group.ac.uk.1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009; 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group universities (2009 National Student Survey).
2. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education 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 York.
3. Press Enquiries please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group. Tel: 0207 872 5596. Email: alistair.jarvis@1994group.co.uk