Author’s note: This article represents the personal views of a current university student, not those of SUMS Group.
Following the recent general election, a wave of nationwide changes are imminent, yet the new government’s top priorities regarding higher education remain unclear at this early stage. As a result, Jacqui Smith, the newly appointed Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, will undoubtedly have an inbox flooded with pleas for support and key recommendations – but where should she begin?
Climbing the pecking order
Amongst the manifestos published by the various competing parties, we saw an array of promises to revitalise public services. For example, the NHS and schools make the headlines regularly in government communications, however, there seems to be a gaping hole in the shape of higher education. Whilst I am in no way advocating for a transferal of funding from these sectors to support universities, it’s time for higher education to be rescued from the junk folder and to join the core list of national priorities.
As a current university student, it can feel like the considerable challenges facing higher education institutions (and the learners they represent) appear to be out of the immediate sight and minds of most cabinet members. The reality is that (according to gov.uk statistics), 2.97 million students were in higher education in 2021/22, 136,770 more attendees than the year before. Given that HE represents such a significant and wide demographic, I firmly believe a reinvented policy for the survival of the higher education sector needs to progress out of the drafts archive, as students and university staff alike are screaming out for drastic action now.
So, what should Jacqui Smith prioritise?
Reducing student loan interest rates
A prevalent concern amongst the student population is the rising cost of student loans, and more specifically the disheartening nature of student loan interest, which drives many of us further into debt with each passing day. Amidst ever-growing debt and shrinking graduate opportunities, students starting university in 2024 appear to be facing a losing battle.
With today’s job market increasingly demanding a range of qualifications for entry-level positions, student loans and their associated interest have essentially become a pre-requisite to get on the career ladder. The new minister’s potential reply to such matters, however, is not quite so clear cut. The complete eradication of undergraduate fees, as advocated for by The Green Party prior to the election, is a radical idea and one widely welcomed by current and future students. Alternatively, many students would be content with the more feasible solution of ceasing, or reducing, student loan interest payments.
A poll was recently published on SUMS Consulting’s social media channels asking followers what they felt the elected government should focus on for higher education and, unsurprisingly, 23% of poll responders voted for lower student loan interest rates. The alignment of views between students and higher education professionals on this matter only reinforces the need for student loans to be put under the microscope at a parliamentary level.
Providing sufficient financial support to those that need it most
As a student, I also wish to highlight to Jacqui Smith the disparity between the current cost-of-living and the average maintenance loan offered to university attendees. The severe lack of appropriate financial support for many students is evident, as a survey undertaken by HEPI and Advance HE has shown that 55% of students now undertake paid work to support themselves while studying, an increase on the 45% documented in 2022.
In my opinion, such figures have recently driven paid internships to become a more appealing employment route, as they offer both experience and income. I count myself as a beneficiary of internships. During my time as an intern at SUMS Group this summer, I’ve gained experience in the field of Marketing and Communications, while being paid to do so as part of a generous career support scheme from University of Reading. To cater to this growing demand, many students like me would like to see local MPs providing more incentives to organisations to grow the number of (nationwide) entry-level internships that they currently offer.
Helping institutions to fulfil their sustainability pledges
When sifting through her inbox, the new HE minister will also likely be faced with several messages demanding greater commitment from the government to the sustainability of higher education institutes. All too frequently, students are being bombarded with empty promises and changing net zero deadlines, all of which only lessen students’ confidence in their university and the government itself.
Upon choosing the University of Reading to complete my own undergraduate studies, I was greatly attracted by the data-backed sustainability credentials that they celebrated. This suggests that greater government support in this area (including greater collaboration between universities and other sectors) could have a positive and lasting effect for universities when it comes to student recruitment. This will not only result in the generation of innovative sustainability solutions, but also provide students with industry connections and work experience opportunities, both of which would be invaluable given the ongoing cost-of-living challenges and cutthroat graduate job market I previously mentioned.
Increasing bursary availability
Another message from students that the new minister should flag for urgent attention is regarding accessibility and ensuring more disadvantaged students are not only supported in their entrance into higher education, but also provided with sustained financial aid to ensure an equally enjoyable university experience.
To achieve this, the minister could encourage universities to provide a wider range of bursaries throughout the year – and when it is most needed – not just at the point of entry to incentivise and convert new students. A good example of this is the Reading Internship Scheme bursary that I received prior to starting my summer internship, as this provided me with some small financial relief at a point in the year when maintenance loans were insufficient to support the increased cost of living we are all facing.
What next?
Only time will tell if Jacqui Smith and the new government she represents are able to successfully design and articulate a plan of action in response to the grievances inundating their inboxes. The appointment of an experienced MP as higher education minister can be seen as a promising start to this new political era, and her recent speech gives a strong endorsement of the ongoing role of higher education in the UK:
“Our universities are vital engines for economic growth and opportunity for everybody throughout their lives.”
I very much welcome an open dialogue between government and universities to listen and learn where greatest attention is needed to reform higher education throughout this parliament. More critically, on behalf of all current, recent, and future students as HE’s core stakeholders – grant us that ‘opportunity’ to be active partners in the transformation process. We’ve certainly got a lot to lose, and even more to gain from getting it right.
