University News Last updated 06 April 2011
Simon Hughes, the Government’s ‘Access Czar’, visited Birmingham City University and listened to students about their experiences of gaining access to higher education – and how it has inspired them.
Mr Hughes met a cross-section of students representing the diversity of the University’s learning community - this included students from comprehensive, grammar and private school backgrounds, as well as international students from Europe, Africa and Asia.
Mr Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has a specialist role within the Coalition Government as Advocate for Access to Education.
He visited Birmingham City University because it is recognised as an institution that has been successful in recruiting students from all backgrounds.
Emily Cooper, 20, a first year Psychology student told Mr Hughes that her experience at Birmingham City University was inspirational – and therefore was an opportunity that should be protected for future generations.
“It’s excellent being here. When you’re in classroom with a professional academic talking about their work which has been published in papers and articles it’s so fantastic. I find it so inspirational and I think ‘I want to do that’,” said Emily.
As part of his visit Mr Hughes said he wanted to emphasise that reforms in higher education funding would safeguard access – and ensure people from all background could access a university education.
Speaking at Birmingham City University, Mr Hughes said he believed the new system was fairer and graduates would actually pay less per month than that do now. He also reminded students that a graduate has the potential to earn £100,000 more over their lifetime than someone without a university education.
He also welcomed feedback from the student group and promised that he would maintain a dialogue with them as he prepared a report for the Prime Minister by the end of June. His findings are expected to shape future policy in this much debated area.
As Advocate for Access to Education, the long-serving MP will work with Government to ensure its policy goal of increasing participation in higher education by those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds is met.
Mr Hughes’ comments come on the same day Business Secretary Vince Cable warned that universities need to think carefully about the fee level they charge and the value they offer to students. Mr Cable was speaking at the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) conference in Birmingham.