The end of the university conveyor belt

The 12% decrease in requests for UCAS is welcome - young people are encouraged to choose the path that is right for them

A conveyor transports dangerous

many of our youth to higher education. It is dangerous, pinching an ugly word lexicography union, for its "automaticity" waiting almost involuntary that the college is the right choice, simply because it is available.

An unintended consequence of the structure of costs / loan from the next academic year is that it forced a period of reflection on many children, as evidenced by the fall of 12% in applications to university, revealed by UCAS. But I welcome it.

In 1969, I went to Cambridge University to read economics, but was rejected for lack of "school readiness". I swore a little and accepted an "offer simple" both B and C at the University of Bristol. In 1972, the sabbatical year, he became vice-president of the Student Union and then for two sabbaticals National Vice-President of the Student Union. After three years full-time demagoguery, I was ready to return to Bristol to finish my career, but after an appearance on a news program on ITV, I was offered a job.

I refused and told them, and my family, going back to college. I complete my degree, become a member of Parliament, the Minister of Finance and to change the world. It was my father who said "you're crazy" - an employment to more time in college? This radical approach of a military conservative, I was surprised, but it reflects the fact that your advice and open discussion with the re-ITV

Charles Clarke was president of the NUS, when I was vice president. Later, when the price of labor and loans, they are facing. I argued that the principle that money should Robbins never stand in the way of young people who aspire to college. Said, and believes that, even so, the new agreement would require greater financial efficiency and value of universities, but also suggested the young of the most demanding universities and the best judges of the educational value of money. Aspirations, he insisted, would not be economically prevented.

• took time, but I think there is ample evidence correctly, the drop in demand resulting in part. Young people embark on a most astute of his goals - not just sign up to nearly £ 30,000 of debt on a whim. They think more deeply about the advantages and disadvantages for them a college education.

judges have become more clear - satisfaction surveys reflect the students already - and will become more acute after the whole of next year. If facilities are not sufficient, they want to know why. A version of "I want my money back" will replace our old songs on the level of income and grants.

As governor of Ravensbourne, some specialized media and design colleges, I am very aware of the pressure on suppliers. We need to refine our actions, if they are to justify higher rates and still attract the numbers. This is a fundamental change in the easy days of guaranteed funding of local government and the age for academic staff. We must do better and strive to do.

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