Top universities 'may have to go private'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Some of Britain's leading universities may consider radical options such as going private if there is no increase in higher education funding, the Government's inquiry into student finance was told yesterday.
Dr Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group, which represents 20 leading higher education research institutions including Oxford and Cambridge, acknowledged the move "would require a lot of serious consideration", adding: "We would hope not to have to go there but we would have to consider seriously a more radical option."
Dr Piatt was giving evidence at Leicester University yesterday to the inquiry into student finance headed by the former BP boss Lord Browne. Her group has already advocated lifting the present cap on top-up fees of £3,225 a year and letting universities set their own fees for students. It says the move would have to be made in stages. Universities have already been told of cuts in funding of more than £500m, with the prospect of more to come, as a result of the public spending axe.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments