The Independent’s Aftab Ali reporting on Sir Peter Lampl’s comments on new report by National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) and University and College Union (UCU).

Non-white young people and those from the poorest backgrounds will be put off going to university if the Government follows through with plans to further raise tuition fees, warns a new report.

Non-whites and those who receive free school meals are also more likely to choose low-cost university options if tuition fees are liable to change.

The Does Cost Matter? report has been produced by the National Education Opportunities Network and supported by the University and College Union (UCU).

…..

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of social mobility charity, the Sutton Trust, echoed Hunt’s comments and said he found it “worrying” that young people are limiting their options due to the abolition of grants. He added: “Others seem unaware of the high level of debt – the highest in the English-speaking world – they will face after leaving university.

“It is equally worrying that many feel there were no strong alternatives to going to university such as degree-level apprenticeships. We need a rethink on reintroducing grants, provide much clearer information for young people, and a big expansion in good higher and degree level apprenticeships.”

Read the full report here.