Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today commented on the Sutton Trust’s pre-election report on student maintenance.

Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“With an election looming and another Government financial statement passed which offered no support for students, this is a timely report from the Sutton Trust.

“That every citizen, regardless of background or income, has the opportunity to improve their life chances is the hallmark of a progressive society, but this ethos is undermined all the while that those from poorer backgrounds are put off from entering higher education for fear they won’t be able to keep the lights on.

“MillionPlus has called for the re-introduction of maintenance grants virtually since they were abolished and now, with students caught in the teeth of a once-in-a-generation squeeze on living standards, it is surely time they made a comeback.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. Learning with the lights off: students and the cost-of-living crisis by MillionPlus, published in October 2022, is available here
3. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
4. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
5. Modern university facts and stats