As both Oxford and Cambridge universities reveal plans to charge the upper limit of £9000 tuition fees, we examine the reasons behind their decision and investigate the impact this level of fees will have on access to university for students from the poorest backgrounds.
As the Russell Group of the top 20 UK universities releases a pamphlet warning against taking “soft subjects” at A-level, we question their impact on university entrance, and ask why, if they are so frowned-upon academically, these subjects continue to be taught at all.”
The marches go on, the slogans are chanted, the demonstrations continue; but is anybody listening? Is there any point in protest against a government who have made it very clear that the voices of their people are falling on very deaf ears indeed? What next for the student protest movement?
As a new wave of anti-tuition fees protests begins, a large-scale campaign has been launched to ban the police tactic of ‘kettling’ protesters. We look at the arguments against the police method of forced containment, and ask whether protesters are right to claim it breaches their fundamental human rights.
Aaron Porter, president of the National Union of Students, has revealed disturbing findings this week from his discussions with university executives. He predicts that, contrary to government promises, a high percentage of universities will choose to charge the maximum tuition fees of £9000.
As the student movement picks up its placards for a renewed assault on the government’s tuition fees policy and education cuts, it risks being derailed by division in the ranks. Aaron Porter urges a considered, targeted campaign whilst the more radical activists want to fight on with protests and marches to have the policy revoked. Which is the right path for this new breed of student political activism?
As the government votes against reinstating the axed Education Maintenance Allowance, we consider the arguments on both sides, and ask what impact the cuts will really have on underpriveleged pupils. Can the government justify its claim that an enormous £500 million of funding should be withdrawn from support for sixth-form college attendees?
As the government considers changing the timing of A-level examinations to allow students to apply for university with their actual (rather than predicted) results, we consider the pros and cons of the new scheme, including claims that it would be beneficial for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
