Greeny News

digit UCAS applications for registration of full-time students hoping to enter university in 2012, but offer no room for complacency (editorial, Jan. 31). The recession and unemployment, which normally would result in an increased interest in higher education, but the opposite occurred. It is too early to draw conclusions about the impact of the new quota system for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The analysis related to the socio-economic category is done only when the inputs are known and provides much stronger evidence that UCAS applications, based on limited data and only apply to younger students.

That's why the 11% drop in applications from mature students should start alarm bells in the department of enterprise, innovation and skills. After three undergraduate students entering college for the first time when he / she is over 21 years. Many have not had the opportunity to explore a career before and are more likely to be from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are also less likely to be highly qualified students to a level the government has said that universities can engage in unlimited quantities at the higher rate.

Therefore the decision of Ministers on January 25 to reduce by 15,000 the number of funded places at universities in 2012 is even more significant. These will be lost in the universities that traditionally recruit older students who can not be recovered if the university reduced its average rate of 7,500 pounds. Higher education should be available to all who have the capacity and could benefit regardless of age or origin.
Pam Tatlow

CEO, M +

. Simon Hughes said students seem to have been deterred from applying for university places by higher tuition fees (The truth about fees, Jan. 31), but this does not mean it is good for our youth to start their working lives are left with debts to compensate for the errors of our financial services sector. After all, youth unemployment reached record levels, what other options do they have?

Julian Roskams D
Malvern, Worcestershire

. Simon Hughes (and all other advocates of tuition fees of £ 9000) does not mention that most people who start university this year will be effectively taxed at 40% of all incomes over £ 21,000 for 30 years of his professional life. If saving for old age, will be only 50 cents of every dollar they earn. At the same time, their coalition partners wants to abolish the 50% rate of tax on income over £ 150,000. What is right? Catherine Wykes

. Of course, Professor Green, the decline in demand for college is disappointing, of course, given its position (10% of the expected decline in demand in the UK College, January 30 ). However, we know that many degrees are considered worthless by employers, so that the decrease does not necessarily lead to a less qualified workforce. We need to expand its network in the professions and other careers instead of always putting so much emphasis on education. In finance and accounting for the way of learning is an effective way of our profession, so much so that opportunities are growing.

Jane Scott Paul

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