Government says potential students must 'aim lower'

The union said the triple whammy of the end of Aimhigher, the axing of the EMA financial support for college students and plans to triple university fees would leave students and their families in no doubt that the government was not prepared to support their ambitions and was happy to deny them life-changing opportunities.

'The government is essentially telling thousands of people and their families that they should aim lower, because the support they need will not be provided.'
Sally Hunt

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Today's announcement is another slap in the face for potential students and their families. The government is essentially telling thousands of people and their families that they should aim lower, because the support they need will not be provided.
 
'Other countries around the world are investing in education because they recognise its value and its importance. However, our government seems happy to deprive a whole generation the life-changing and life-enhancing opportunities that further and higher education can provide.'
 
Aimhigher is a programme designed to try and persuade students from poorer backgrounds to consider university.