The HEPI Blog aims to make brief, incisive contributions to the higher education policy landscape. It is circulated to our subscribers and published online. We welcome guest submissions, which should follow our Instructions for Blog Authors. Submissions should be sent to our Blog Editor, Josh Freeman, at [email protected].
This blog was contributed by Tim Blackman, Professor of Sociology and Social Policy and Vice-Chancellor at The Open University (@TimJBlackman). He writes in a personal capacity. The UK Government’s new Lifetime Loan Entitlement (LLE) for England will break new ground when it is introduced in 2025 to replace the current…
Yesterday, the Learning and Work Institute celebrated its centenary at CityLit college in Holborn in the presence of their Patron, HRH the Princess Royal. Nick Hillman, HEPI Director, spoke at the event. Your Royal Highness, ladies and gentlemen, it is a huge pleasure to speak at this important event marking your 100th anniversary…
This blog was contributed by Louise Pigden (@elouisepigden), Deputy Dean in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby and Dr Garford Moore (@GarfordMoore), Policy and Insights Analyst at the University of Derby. Both would welcome dialogue around joint honours students, social mobility, and graduate outcomes. Leading…
This blog was contributed by Professor Susan Lea, University of Hull Vice Chancellor. COP26 aims to unite the world to tackle climate change. Surely nothing can be more important: ‘A code red for humanity’ is how UN Secretary General António Guterres described the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)…
This blog has been kindly contributed by Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer of London Higher and London Higher Chair (@dianajbeech) and Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of East London (@ProfBroderick). With a membership of over 40 universities and higher education colleges, London Higher is the…
This blog was contributed by Rob Cuthbert, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education Management at the University of the West of England and Managing Partner of the Practical Academics consultancy. He wrote the 2020 HEPI blog ‘A-levels 2020: What students and parents need to know’ (which has had more hits than…
This blog was contributed by Jenna Mittelmeier and Sylvie Lomer of the University of Manchester International students are often seen as ‘cash cows’ for the UK higher education sector, providing a steady stream of income to universities and the country. The UK Government’s briefing on the financial impact of COVID-19,…
This blog was contributed by Dr Chris Jones, Lecturer in History and Widening Participation (WP) Academic Officer at the University of East Anglia. The appointment of Katharine Birbalsingh as chair of the Social Mobility Commission has caused some concern that the culture wars are far from over. A recent paper…
It was disappointing that higher education was almost entirely absent from the Chancellor’s Budget Statement to the House of Commons last week – I say ‘almost’ because UK universities did get one passing mention (the same as the English Civil War while cider got 10). Plus, as part of the…
This blog was contributed by Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester (@NCanagarajah) I have been encouraged to see the focus on education and skills coming out of this year’s Conservative Party conference. The promise to invest in individuals’ skills to create a high pay, high…