Press release
million+ comments on the higher education initial participation rate
02 Sep 2015
Official statistics on the rate of participation in higher education published today (2 September 2015) show a welcome improvement in 2013-14. This follows the decline in 2012-13 triggered by the increase in tuition fees in England.
Commenting on the statistics, Professor Dave Phoenix, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, said:
“The recovery in progression and participation of young people studying full-time is good news. However the continuing deterioration in the numbers of mature and part-time students is yet again confirmed by these statistics.
“Unless BIS and the Treasury intervene with positive measures to support the mature and part-time student markets, there is a real risk that they will suffer permanent damage to the detriment of these individuals and the UK.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. For further information or to arrange an interview, contact million+ on 0207 717 1659 or press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. The Higher Education Initial Participation Rate statistics are published here.