Why university sti l l makes sense
The tuition fees have clearly had a big impact
The number of applications for places at British universities has dropped signifi cantly this year. As the fi nal deadline for 2012 approaches, UCAS, the national processing centre for applications, has revealed that applications are
down by 6.4% on last year.
It could have been worse, but the increase in tuition fees has clearly had a big impact, driving cost-conscious pupils and parents away from the idea of university and towards a growing range of trainee schemes which have been developed for school leavers, as opposed to graduates. But the news is not all bad. Deregulation has opened the way for successful universities to expand: Bristol, for example, has created an additional 600 places for home students in 2012. It should therefore be easier for bright pupils to get a place a good university. This has certainly been refl ected in the very positive picture that I have seen at Colfe’s this year already.
Meanwhile, and still on the subject of good news, other universities have had to face up to the fact that the quality of their teaching needs to improve, challenging their own assumption that academic research should be their overriding concern. Manchester is taking this more seriously than most, having decided to increase staffi ng to address concerns expressed by students through feedback. The new generation of students will, quite rightly, want to know what they are getting for their £9000 a year. Simultaneously, universities in mainland Europe are increasingly interested in applications from UK students who are willing to expand their horizons. The Netherlands remains in the forefront of this development, with the University of Leiden, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, poised to follow the lead of Maastricht and Groningen, both of which have well-established English speaking faculties. European tuition fees are invariably lower than those charged in the UK.
In fact the range of university options available to today’s sixth formers is wider and more exciting than it has ever been; and the prospect of sitting out the next three years in a library or a laboratory whilst the economy sorts itself out is not without appeal. Above all, prospective students should not be dissuaded by the costs, at which American students, who are accustomed to such things, would not bat an eyelid: you don’t have to pay back the loan until you can afford to do so and, unless you are Richard Branson, your earning potential as a graduate far exceeds what it will be if you go straight into employment from school.
The three years that you spend at university should be amongst the most interesting and enjoyable of your life. The experience should also make you the sort of person who can make a real contribution to the future of the country. If you choose your course with care and insist on value for your £9000 a year you will not regret it. Richard Russell, Headmaster Colfe’s School, Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW. Tel: 020 8852 2283
www.colfes.com
4 l education guide
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