19.05.10
1994 Group responds to Sir Martin Harris' report on access to highly selective universities
Responding to Sir Martin Harris’ report, Professor Paul Wellings, Chair of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University said: “We welcome Sir Martin Harris’ conclusion that ‘widening participation as a whole has been a story of considerable success’. 1994 Group institutions are strongly committed to improving access and using variable bursaries and scholarships to encourage students from lower socio-economic groups to attend world-class research-intensive universities. Our universities are investing over £43m this year in student support and outreach activity and in addition offer a range of scholarships and bursaries from private donations that continue to grow annually.”
“Widening access and encouraging social mobility is at the heart of the founding vision of many 1994 Group universities, however, we must not be complacent. A guarantee that a targeted and robust student support system is in place that ensures that no student is unable to attend university because of cost must be at the centre of any future vision for higher education. There should be no barriers to able students entering higher education due to inability to pay.”
“However, the challenge is broader than this, stemming from prior educational attainment and aspirations. We would oppose the automatic assumption that, should fees increase, there be an automatic link between fee income generated and the proportion of that income spent on WP and access work. Instead, we believe it is right that each institution be allowed to spend an appropriate percentage of its income to target WP entrants, using institutional resources including donor-giving, at levels which universities feel are appropriate. It is the progress made towards achieving goals set out in the institutional widening participation strategy that is the central concern of institutions and Government, not the drawing of arbitrary expenditure targets.”
“To further enhance access, universities must work in close partnership with schools, colleges and higher education partners to raise attainment and aspirations and provide appropriate support through better targeted information, advice and guidance (IAG) to ensure that students from all backgrounds are able to attend leading universities.”
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
2. Sir Martin’s full report will be available at http://www.offa.org.uk/publications/ on Wednesday 19th May.
3. 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). In 17 major subject areas 1994 Group universities are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent' (RAE 2008, HEFCE).
4. 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.
5. Press enquiries please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications at the 1994 Group on alistair.jarvis@1994group.ac.uk or 0207 872 5596