Education Policy Institute report on tertiary education

Responding to the Education Policy Institute’s report Remaking Tertiary Education: can we create a system that is fair and fit for purpose? by Professor the Baroness Alison Wolf, David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said: “We need a comprehensive and coherent skills system that works for everyone. In order to achieve this, the Government needs to reach a better balance of funding in the education and training system. It is not enough to invest in full-time, three-year bachelor’s degrees if we are to meet the skills needs of our country. The economy would benefit from a system that works for all ages, whether young or old, in a job already or working towards getting a foot on the career ladder. Perception must change so that equal rating is given to academic, general, technical, vocational and recreational education and training. “One way to work towards this would be to convert student loans into a personal learning account that could be accessed across a person’s lifetime, also including maintenance loans for all higher education courses. “It will not be easy to make reforms in this area but we would urge the Government to take a considered and comprehensive look at the courses and qualifications available.”