University access key to success of levelling up

However, this could turn out to be the zenith in terms of disadvantaged young people going to university. Proposed government reforms to higher education funding published in February not only risk putting university further out of reach for many young people but could significantly undermine the government’s levelling up agenda.

Most universities now charge £9,250 a year for all courses, which students repay once they start earning. The government proposals, a response to the 2019 Augar review, would see the earnings threshold at which repayments begin lowered to £25,000 and extends the loan period from 30 to 40 years, meaning graduates will begin paying back the loan earlier, potentially for longer and face higher interest fees. Even if this does not deter young people, a proposed requirement for all undergraduates to gain maths and English passes at GCSE or A-level to obtain loans to pay for course fees would act as another barrier.