Press release: NUS response to the National Audit Office report on ‘Widening participation in higher education’

Wes Streeting, NUS President said: “The so-called ‘elite’ institutions which perform below their benchmarks on widening participation are simultaneously lobbying for significant increases in student fees. Vice chancellors should address these widening participation issues before reaching for their begging bowls again.

“Greater steps must be taken to collect data on widening participation, particularly on student characteristics and institutions' practices. We support the report's recommendation that Ministers should ensure the introduction of single strategic documents bringing together each institutions' widening participation, fair access and admissions policies.

“NUS also believes there should be a single source of student support to ensure that individuals can access the finance they are entitled to, rather than navigating the current bursary maze in which too many of those in need lose out."

ENDS

NUS Press Office
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