University responds to Government on tuition fees

The Vice-Chancellor has written to the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, highlighting that an increase in income from raising the tuition fee cap is more than wiped out by higher costs for universities announced in the Budget.

Professor Robert Van de Noort said he welcomed the move to increase the available maintenance loan for students, to support students struggling with increased costs, and the decision to remove the eight-year freeze on tuition fees in 2025/26.

As the Government announced a £285 uplift in tuition fees in England (4 November), Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson wrote to universities, also outlining a broad agenda for further reform to higher education.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor wrote: “The combined effect of the government’s policies announced over the past week put the University of Reading at greater financial stress, rather than easing it.”

The increase in tuition fee income from new students that could follow would be around £1m next year, but the cumulative impact of higher National Insurance payments alone is £1.3m in 2024/25, and more than £4m in 2025/26, he told the minister.

Professor Van de Noort highlighted that the University’s strategic goals already reflect the Government’s priorities for future reform, with Reading making strong progress on quality of teaching, ensuring good outcomes for disadvantaged students, supporting economic growth, and in supporting the life of the local community.

Read the full response from the Vice-Chancellor to the Education Secretary, and the original letter to university leaders.