Commenting on Does Cost Matter?, a report produced by the National Education Opportunities Network and supported by the University and College Union (UCU), Sir Peter Lampl, Chairman of the Sutton Trust and of the Education Endowment Foundation, said:

“It is worrying that young people are limiting their options due to the abolition of grants, and others seem unaware of the high level of debt – the highest in the English speaking world – that they will face after leaving university. It is equally worrying that many felt 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.”

  • Does Cost Matter? produced by the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) and supported by the University and College Union (UCU), found that an increase in fees would see young people who are eligible for free school meals most likely to reconsider going to university, followed by non-white young people.
  • It is based an online survey of 1,5000 students and two focus groups.