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NTU's response to three HE consultations

Over the last few months, colleagues have been considering NTU’s responses to three separate consultations which cover various aspects of higher education.

    In February, the Department for Education (DfE) published information outlining changes to the student finance and funding system, broadly following the recommendations from the 2019 Review of Post-18 Education and Funding (the Augar review). The major omission was a commitment to re-introducing maintenance grants for less advantaged students.

    HE Reform

    Alongside this statement, the DfE published a consultation seeking views on proposals for higher education reform in the following areas:

    • Student number controls
    • Minimum eligibility requirements
    • Foundation years
    • Eligibility for a state scholarship
    • Growing high-quality level 4 and 5.

    Here is a summary of our response to this consultation.

    Lifelong Loan Entitlement

    The DfE also published a consultation seeking views on the introduction of a Lifelong Loan Entitlement in 2025. This will provide individuals with a loan entitlement to the equivalent of 4 years of post-18 education to use over their lifetime, for modular or full-time study at higher technical and degree levels (levels 4 to 6). Views were sought on the ambition, objectives and coverage of the scheme. Here is our summary response.

    Future Research Assessment Programme

    Finally, also in February, a consultation was launched on the Future Research Assessment Programme (FRAP), that is, the future of what is currently termed the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Views were specifically sought on:

    • The purpose of future exercises
    • The high-level principles that should underpin their development
    • Future assessment criteria and processes.

    Professors Di Bailey and Cillian Ryan published an overview of our perspective on the HEPI website last week when the REF 2021 results were announced. Again, you can find our summary response here.

    I hope you find these of interest and of value.

    Best Wishes

    Professor Edward Peck
    Vice-Chancellor

    Published on 17 May 2022
    • Category: Press office