Alex Proudfoot, Chief Executive of Independent Higher Education (IHE), said:
“We welcome the Education Secretary's confirmation today that the current cap on tuition fees and maintenance loans will rise from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. This was a necessary first step to take in putting the higher education sector on a more sustainable footing so that it can play its part in the Government's missions of driving growth and expanding opportunity. The increase in maintenance funding for students will be critical to preventing some students from dropping out, and should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it continues to do so.
“Equally important was the confirmation in the Budget last week of the Chancellor's commitment to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). The LLE will create a strong foundation for flexible learning through tertiary education, recognising that today’s economy, driven and disrupted by technology in equal measure, requires more upskilling and retraining than ever before.
“The UK continues to face challenging economic times and it is only by investing in the great potential of our country and its people that we can start to turn the tide. IHE and our Members will be enthusiastic partners in responding to this challenge, working with industry and with local, regional and national governments to put the innovative provision of flexible models for higher education, skills and lifelong learning at the heart of our future prosperity.”