With political conference season upon us, here is everything the current government (Labour Party) promised to students in the UK:
- New Targets for young people:
Previously, the government had set a target of 50% of young people attending university. However, this has been changed to a goal of “two-thirds” of young people pursuing university, higher technical qualifications, or apprenticeships by the age of 25.
It is interesting to note here that during this announcement, Labour were very careful to target “two-thirds” of young people rather than directly increasing the percentage from the old figure of 50% to the new ‘two-thirds’ percentage of 67%. However, whilst this goal has increased in its figure, the government is placing new emphasis on the value of apprenticeships or higher technical qualifications.
Is this the beginning of the end for written, ‘old-school’ university degrees?
- Maintenance Grants Reintroduced
This is the big one! But important to note here: do not get excited!
Labour has announced the reintroduction of means-tested maintenance grants. This will be funded by a new levy on international student fees. Typically, the grant would not have to be repaid with little to no debt burden for students post-degree.
However, this maintenance grant will only be available for some students studying “priority” courses. The exact details, amount and those eligible have not been announced yet, with more information expected in the autumn financial statement.
- Youth Guarantee
Labour proposed a “Youth Guarantee” increasing the opportunities that young people have to apprenticeships, further study or other on-job training opportunities.
Furthermore, young people who have been out of education, work or training for more than eighteen months will be offered a paid work placement. However, there have been few details or follow-up as to whether post-university students will be eligible if a post-grad job does not become available, or what sort of paid work placements will be available for students.
- Upskilling, Technical Education and Skills for the Future
This includes a new investment tied to tech, AI and life sciences as part of Labour’s push to create jobs, scholarships and apprenticeship opportunities. Again, Labour appears to be pushing against traditional university degrees and teaching methods in favour of a more ‘tech-utilising’ route involving AI.
- Financial support to reduce pressures on students
Alongside the aforementioned maintenance grants for some students, the government announced further financial support for students, so they are not “working every hour God sends”, as noted by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
While students may get their hopes up for the support packages and further maintenance grant access or hardship funds/loans, it is implied that the government intends this support to be in the form of education about finances, suggesting smart ways to save and suggesting more affordable ways of living for students, rather than a subsidy like with the maintenance grants.
- Removing barriers
In a bid to reach their two-thirds target for young people in further study, apprenticeships or placements, the government signalled a shift in who will be prioritised for further study and how success will be measured.
UCAS has already removed the need for a personal statement when applying for undergraduate degrees, and following the Labour conference announcements, it is being heavily suggested that non-written forms of success will begin to play a more significant role in applications and access to placements, rather than what is on the page or grades.
What do you think of these new policies for students?
