Radical British Uni Reforms To Be Unveiled - Sky News

6:31am UK, Tuesday June 28, 2011

The most radical shake up of the British university system for decades is due to be unveiled by the Government.

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Ministers say their plans will sustain the country's world class universities and improve higher education opportunities.

They also argue the proposals - which are linked to those that will triple tuition fees to £9,000 pounds by 2012 - will increase social mobility.

As part of the changes, universities will be forced to provide potential students with more information about their entry requirements, job prospects and the quality of teaching.

Popular universities will be able to accept any student achieving at least two A grades and a B at A-level - in a move aimed at increasing access and helping the institutions grow.

It is clear that this White Paper, already months late, will be another example of the Tory-led Government making it up as they go along.

Shadow business secretary John Denham

Universities and higher education colleges charging low fees could also be allowed to increase their numbers.

It is hoped that would encourage the more expensive establishments to reduce what they charge.

And the White Paper is also likely to contain measures to boost the powers of the regulator, the Office for Fair Access (Offa).

The watchdog is tasked with ensuring universities do not price out poorer students with higher fees.

But the University and College Union warned against reforms that would allow the expansion of private universities, which are not subject to the cap on numbers.

Oxford University is among those planning to charge the maximum fee

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: "The Government's higher education policy is already in complete disarray after it got its sums wrong on fees.

"However, bringing in for-profit providers is not the answer to the current funding crisis in higher education."

Shadow business secretary John Denham said: "It is clear that this White Paper, already months late, will be another example of the Tory-led Government making it up as they go along.

"The White Paper will sacrifice quality in an attempt to tackle the fees crisis caused by Government incompetence.

"Universities should be able to concentrate on working with business on the skills, growth and jobs needed to ensure we can pay our way in the future, not be distracted by the fallout of a policy that was unfair, unnecessary and unsustainable."

A Business Department spokesman said the White Paper would "set out how we will sustain our world class universities, improve higher education opportunities and increase social mobility."