NUS and the ‘60s and ‘70s

The early 1960s saw NUS developing its capacity as an educational pressure group. In 1961 the union gave evidence to the Robbins Committee (which later produced the Robbins Report calling for the expansion of higher education).

This all culminated in a challenge for the leadership of NUS by more radical students. With the LSE sit-in of March 1967, the Government's decision to increase overseas students’ fees by 270%, and growing opposition to the Vietnam War, NUS was becoming more of an engine - a leader and an organiser for the political aspirations of the student movement.

This was reflected in more support for students’ unions in dispute with their college authorities, and the setting up of the NUS Legal Aid Fund in the early 1970s. The ‘70s saw NUS move from localised actions and campaigns to the national stage - national demonstrations and campaigns were run on students’ union autonomy and on grants, for instance.

The late ‘70s witnessed the collapse of some of NUS' trading concerns - notably NUS Travel - hit by the huge collapse in the travel market. Additionally, most of NUS' interest in Endsleigh Insurance – which had been set up by NUS in 1965 and named after the address of NUS’ headquarters, then in Endsleigh Street – was sold off. This left NUS largely as a campaigning and representative body, providing a number of important services to students’ unions, such as training for new students’ union officers, research and general advice and support.

Major Successes

1962

NUS pressure brings about the introduction of the student grant system

1973

An annual review of student grants is set up as a direct result of NUS’ work

1976

NUS succeeds in getting student fees abolished and foils attempts to charge overseas student more

1977

NUS negotiates with banks to provide cheque cards and fee banking for students