Students celebrate A-level results but universities face funding crisis

Summary

The script covers the release of A-level results in the UK, with students receiving their grades and universities facing financial challenges. It highlights the rise in top grades for the first time since 2021, the increase in university acceptance for disadvantaged students, and the disparities in educational attainment between regions. The government's stance on university financing and international student policies is discussed, emphasizing the need for reform and the impact of restrictions on overseas students. Universities are portrayed as striving for financial stability while offering quality education and opportunities for students.

Takeaways

• 📚 Results envelopes at Sefon 6th Form College are being opened by students, reflecting a mix of emotions from relief to disappointment.
• 🎓 Mason Lee McIntyre is relieved and overjoyed to have received the grades needed for university to study law.
• 😌 Zara and Nina are happy with their results, with Zara planning to take a gap year to work before attending the University of Manchester.
• 📈 Top A-level grades have risen for the first time since 2021, with nearly 28% of students in England achieving an A or A*.
• 📉 There is a disparity in top grades between regions, with Wales and Northern Ireland seeing a slight decrease but still outperforming England.
• 🏫 There is a significant increase in university acceptance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a 7% rise in acceptances over the previous year.
• 🔍 Attainment gaps between independent and comprehensive schools, as well as between the North and South, are highlighted, with varying percentages of top grades achieved.
• 👨‍🎨 Emily Blanco, who did a BTEC in art and design, is thrilled with her distinction star, and is heading to university to study comics and graphic novels.
• 🛠️ AED Edam's engineering course has helped him secure an apprenticeship with Northern rail, showing alternative vocational routes to university or work.
• 🏛️ Liverpool Hope University is in clearing mode, emphasizing the financial reliance of universities on tuition fees, which have not kept pace with inflation.
• 💰 The government acknowledges the financial pressures on universities but is considering reforms to the university financing system, which is currently in disarray.

Q & A

What was the general reaction of students at Sefon 6th Form College upon receiving their results envelopes?

The students had mixed reactions. Some, like Mason Lee McIntyre, were relieved and overjoyed to have received the grades needed for university, while others, like Zara and Nina, were happy with their results but had different plans, such as taking a gap year to work.

What was the percentage of students receiving top grades in England, and how does it compare to previous years?

Top A-level grades increased to almost 28% of students in England, marking the first rise since 2021.

How did the top grades percentage change in Wales and Northern Ireland, and what was the initial plan for these regions?

The percentage of top grades slightly fell in Wales and Northern Ireland, but they still outperformed England. The initial plan was for grades in these regions to fall back in line with pre-COVID levels.

What is the increase in the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds going to University?

There is a 7% rise in the number of 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds accepting university places compared to the previous year.

What is the difference in the percentage of students receiving top grades between the Northwest and London?

In the Northwest, 25% of students received an A or a star, whereas in London, the percentage is 31%, indicating a significant disparity.

What vocational route did Emily Blanco take, and what was her outcome?

Emily Blanco took a BTEC in art and design, achieving a distinction star distinction, and is now going to do a degree in comics and graphic novels.

How did Toya's engineering course contribute to his future plans?

Toya's engineering course helped him secure an apprenticeship with Northern Rail, and he expressed feelings of nervousness but also happiness and eagerness to learn and work.

What financial challenges are universities facing, and how are they trying to cope?

Universities are facing financial struggles due to tuition fees not keeping up with inflation. They are trying to cope by clearing as many students as possible to secure funding and are looking at government reforms for university financing.

What is the government's stance on addressing the financial struggles of universities?

The government acknowledges the financial pressure on universities and is determined to reform the system to work in the interests of taxpayers, institutions, and students. However, it is also clear that the previous government's approach has led to a system in disarray.

What is the new Minister for Higher Education's view on the value for money that disadvantaged students are getting from university?

Baroness Jackie Smith acknowledges the increase in disadvantaged students getting university places but points out the need to address inequalities in university access and the value for money in terms of lifelong earnings and other benefits from attending university.

What is the government's policy regarding international students and their family members?

The new government is not planning to overturn the ban on most overseas students being prevented from bringing family members to the UK, emphasizing a more open and welcoming approach while maintaining current immigration positions.

Outlines

00:00

📚 A Spectrum of Student Reactions to Exam Results

The script begins with a scene at Sefon 6th Form College where students are anxiously opening their exam results. Various reactions are depicted, from Mason Lee McIntyre's relief at achieving the grades needed for university law studies, to Zara and Nina's contentment despite not hitting their predicted grades. Some students are still accepted by universities willing to be flexible. The percentage of top grades has risen for the first time since 2021 in England, with Wales and Northern Ireland showing a slight decrease but still outperforming England. Disadvantaged students are increasingly attending university, with a 7% rise in acceptances. However, there's a disparity in attainment between regions and types of schools. The script also highlights alternative routes to higher education, such as vocational courses and apprenticeships, and the financial challenges faced by universities, with some struggling to keep up with inflation.

05:01

🏛️ University Education: Value and Financial Struggles

This paragraph delves into the value of a university education, with the UK boasting several top-ranking universities globally. Despite this, there's a debate about whether the high cost of tuition is justified, especially considering the employment rates of graduates. The script addresses the financial struggles of universities, with some on the brink of bankruptcy. The government's stance on not increasing tuition fees or overturning visa restrictions that affect international student numbers is highlighted. There's a call for a more welcoming approach to international students to bolster university finances. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on the need for long-term solutions for higher education funding and the importance of maintaining the quality of education and student experience.

10:02

🤔 The Sustainability of University Fees and Support

The final paragraph focuses on the sustainability of current university fees, which have been frozen since 2017. There's a discussion about the need to reassess these fees in light of the demands placed on universities and the impact of inflation. The importance of student support, such as maintenance loans, is also mentioned, with concerns about the cost of living for students. The script suggests that a sector-wide approach is necessary to address the financial challenges faced by universities, rather than focusing on individual institutions. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the continued provision of high-quality education and research.

Keywords

💡Results Envelopes

Results envelopes refer to the physical or metaphorical packets in which students receive their examination results. In the context of the video, this term is used to convey the anticipation and anxiety felt by students as they await their grades, which are crucial for their university admission prospects. The script mentions 'results envelopes are out waiting to be opened by nervous hands,' highlighting the high-stakes nature of these results.

💡University Admission

University admission is the process by which students are accepted into higher education institutions. The script discusses various students' reactions to their grades, which determine their eligibility for university. For example, 'Mason Lee McIntyre was relieved to get the grades he needed to go off to University to study law,' illustrating the significance of these results for future academic and career paths.

💡A-Level Grades

A-Level grades are the results of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level exams, which are a significant part of the British secondary education system. The script notes a rise in top A-Level grades for the first time since 2021, indicating a change in academic performance trends and potentially reflecting broader educational policies or practices.

💡Disadvantaged Backgrounds

Disadvantaged backgrounds refer to social or economic conditions that may limit an individual's access to resources or opportunities. The script mentions an increase in university acceptance for students from such backgrounds, with 'over 27,000 18-year-olds have accepted places,' which is a positive development in terms of educational equality.

💡Attainment Gaps

Attainment gaps describe the disparities in educational achievement between different groups of students, often related to socioeconomic status, geography, or school type. The script points out that 'there are wide and widening attainment gaps between independent and comprehensive schools and the North and South,' indicating systemic issues in educational access and outcomes.

💡Clearing

Clearing is a process in the UK university admissions system where students who have not received the necessary grades for their university choices can secure a place through available spots. The script describes 'clearings in full swing,' emphasizing the dynamic and last-minute nature of this phase in university admissions.

💡Vocational Routes

Vocational routes refer to educational pathways focused on practical, job-specific skills and training, as opposed to academic or theoretical education. The script mentions 'more vocational routes to University or work,' suggesting alternative pathways for students to achieve their career goals.

💡Educational Disparities

Educational disparities highlight the differences in educational opportunities, resources, and outcomes among different groups. The script discusses 'Stark educational disparities' created by poverty, indicating the impact of socioeconomic factors on the quality of education students receive.

💡University Financing

University financing involves the economic aspects of running higher education institutions, including tuition fees, government funding, and other sources of income. The script addresses the financial struggles of universities and the need for reform, with the government considering changes to 'University financing' to ensure stability and accessibility.

💡Immigration Restrictions

Immigration restrictions refer to policies that control the entry and stay of non-nationals in a country. The script discusses the impact of such restrictions on international students, with the government's stance on not overturning 'visa restrictions' affecting the number of overseas students and, consequently, university finances.

💡Sector-Wide Problem

A sector-wide problem indicates an issue that affects an entire industry or field. In the script, the financial struggles of universities are described as not just individual cases but a 'sector-wide problem,' suggesting that the challenges faced by these institutions are systemic and require broader solutions.

Highlights

Results envelopes at Sefon 6th form College are being opened by students, marking a moment of high anticipation and relief.

Mason Lee McIntyre expresses his relief and joy at achieving the grades needed to study law at University.

Some students like Zara and Nina are happy with their results despite not getting their predicted grades.

Top A-level grades have risen for the first time since 2021, with 28% of students in England achieving an A or A*.

There is a disparity in top grades between regions, with Wales and Northern Ireland seeing a slight decrease.

More students from disadvantaged backgrounds are going to University, with a 7% increase in acceptances.

Attainment gaps are widening between independent and comprehensive schools, as well as between the North and South.

Emily Blanco achieved a distinction star in her btech in art and design and is moving on to study a degree in comics and graphic novels.

Toya's engineering course helped him secure an apprenticeship with Northern rail.

Universities are facing financial struggles, with tuition fees not keeping up with inflation.

The government is considering reforming University financing to address financial pressures.

The new Minister for higher education, Baroness Jackie Smith, acknowledges the need for addressing inequalities in University access.

There is concern about the value for money of University education, with less than two-thirds of graduates in full-time jobs 15 months after graduating.

The government is open to overseas students but is not willing to overturn visa restrictions that may affect their numbers.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Helen Neville discusses the financial reliance of Universities on overseas students and the need for policy changes.

There is a sector-wide problem in higher education regarding financial stability, not just individual University struggles.

Transcripts

800 a.m. at sefon 6th form College the

results envelopes are out waiting to be

opened by nervous hands okay got

ABC

D Mason Lee McIntyre was relieved to get

the grades he needed to go off to

University to study law over the moon

Joy I can't really put into words um

literally what I wanted I

nightmares about this day to be honest

with you and just look on on newcast and

find and I've g into my f Choice it's

literally the best thing that could

actually happen yeah we were really

nervous no I wasn't yes you was Zara and

Nina are pretty happy with their results

I I didn't really get the grades I

wanted but I still go a good grades and

I'm taking a gap here to work yeah and

I'm going to the University of

Manchester some didn't get their

predicted grades but were still accepted

by their chosen universities who need

students and were prepared to be

flexible top a-level grades have risen

for the first time since 2021 with

almost 28% of students getting an A or a

star in England the percentage of top

grades increased slightly they fell in

Wales and Northern Ireland although they

still outperformed England it was always

the plan that this year grades in Wales

and Northern Ireland would fall back in

line with pre-co levels more students

from disadvantage backgrounds will be

going to University over 27,000 18year

olds have accepted places a rise of 7%

on last

year but there are wide and widening

attainment gaps between independent and

comprehensive schools and the North and

South in the Northwest 25% of students

got an A or a star but in London it's

31% the government said poverty had

created Stark educational

disparities at hued College in ble

students can take more vocational routes

to University or work Emily Blanco did a

btech in art and design and she aced it

gotten a distinction star distinction

distinction and I'm really happy about

it I bet were you expecting that um not

really I was expecting much lower but

I'm really happy I got it and what

Emily's off to do a degree in comics and

graphic novels AED Edam I Toya's

engineering course helped him an

apprenticeship with Northern rail how

will you feel on the first day when you

turn up for your

apprenticeship same way I'm feeling now

bit nervous like but happy I'll be

willing to learn willing to work willing

to you know get stuck

in these are nervous times for

universities too at Liverpool hope

University clearings in full swing so

that c you require 88u plus points The

Lion Share of their funding is tuition

fees they haven't kept up with inflation

but universities need every student they

can get just how tough are finances and

how important was it to hear today that

the government is looking at reforming

University financing it has been a

challenging period every student is

important and every fear is important

it's really important to think about

what we're using that for as well

fundamentally we're in the business of

educating students um and investing back

in student experience and making sure

that the students um succeed the best

that they possibly can of the government

says it knows the financial pressure

universities are under I'm determined to

reform the system to make it work in the

interests of the taxpayer but of also of

Institutions and students too but after

14 years the system's in a mess the

government previous government kicked

the can down the road and we will need

to take the time to make sure we get

this right so that University is an

option that's there for talented young

people Liverpool hope University is

proud that half its students are the

first in their family to do a degree and

experience everything university has to

offer well baroness Jackie Smith is the

new Minister for higher education I

spoke to her earlier and asked if the

record number of disadvantaged students

getting a university place this year are

actually getting value for

money well first of all it's a very good

thing that there are more students

getting that their first choice offers

and that there are more for for for

example disadvantaged students as you

say who have having that opportunity the

problem is that there still are too many

inequalities with the way in which

people are getting into University you

stand much more of a chance from some

geographic regions from some backgrounds

than you do for for others and that's

something that we're really committed to

to challenging and to making

improvements in as to whether or not

they're getting value for money well I

think you know there is an enormous

benefit to be had from going to

University in terms of your lifelong

learnings but obviously of course all

the other things that you get from

University as well the problem is that

we make sure that that option is open to

people regardless of their backgrounds

you talk about lifelong earnings I mean

fewer than 2third of University

graduates are in full-time jobs at 15

months after graduating is that really

worth the £99,000 a year in fees that

they're paying let's not forget Kathy

you know we've got World leading

universities in this country we've got

four out of the top 10 universities in

the world World we've got 15 out of the

top 100 universities in the world so

this is something that we should be

proud of and it's an enormously

important opportunity you say you're

proud of of Britain's universities but

they're facing an unprecedented

Financial struggle um I mean some of

these students could be going to

universities that are on the point of

going bust are you in talks with some of

those institutions that are on the point

of collapse look universities are

independent organizations they've got to

make decisions themselves about how they

run themselves as effectively as

possible but they also need a bit of SEC

understanding and security about what's

coming in the future in terms of their

their finances and yet your boss keeps

on ruling out options so she's made very

clear for example in recent days you

won't be increasing tuition fees to give

universities more funding neither will

you overturn the visa restrictions which

the last government introduced which

have led to a decrease in international

students which universities depended on

for their finances so how are you going

to address this black hole in their

funding when it comes to overseas

students we have actually taken a much

more open and welcoming approach to

overseas students than was the case of

the of the last government if you're so

welcoming of them why not LIF some of

those restrictions it doesn't require us

to change the current immigration

position for uh students what people

hear is very important to them in terms

of whether or not it's worthwhile coming

to the UK to study in actual fact what

we've seen today with the ucast figures

is for undergraduate students there's

about a flat level of overseas students

but I take your point that people may

well have been put off coming to this

country not So Much by policy changes

but by the sort of rhetoric that the

last government used against them well

we're setting a different tone and we

think that will be heard across the

world you are welcome to come and study

at the UK's worldclass universities

alongside actually The increased number

of UK 18year olds who are going into

receiving their offers and and going

into University this year as well but

you know it's the postgraduate

International students who have declined

and just sort of saying they're welcome

might not be enough they want to bring

their family members with them you're

not going to overturn those restrictions

so is it really going to

change well I think you know we need to

wait and see because the postgraduate

numbers for international students come

later on down the track you're saying

wait and see but these universities are

facing massive funding problems right

now are you willing to see a university

go bust because there are some

institutions you'll know where they are

that are at that point now yes if it

were necessary yes that would have to be

the situation but I don't want that to

be necessary I want us to find a way for

there to be Financial stability for

universities and most importantly for

the students that they are serving into

the future and that is what we are

working on bar Smith thank you very much

well joining me now is Deputy Vice

Chancellor and provest at Kingston

University Professor Helen lville uh you

heard there the new labor government is

not going to overturn the ban on most

overseas students uh being prevented

from bringing family members to the UK

what impact is that going to have on you

financially well we're working very hard

to persuade um and to let University

students potential University students

overseas know that we're open for

business and that we welcome them we

welcome their contribution and we've got

something distinctive to offer them uh

we really do uh develop programs that

give them uh employability skills that

give them access to researchers and

access to uh Specialists so I think

we're working really hard to make sure

that we've got a great product a great

experience for students to sell and the

work the government's been doing to

reinforce that message that University

students from International destinations

are welcome here is is a really good

message our fact check team has been

looking at this very issued this week

and at Kingston University I think

around 70 million of your income about

30% overall comes from overseas students

you need that money you rely on that

money don't

you we do need that money and across the

sector this is not just Kingston

University you could go to any

University in the UK and talk about the

fact that they have been using that

overseas income uh to manage the fact

that um in home fees have not kept up

with inflation so there has been across

subsidy that's been going on uh but

universities are working really hard to

manage their finances uh to make um

effective uh use of the resources that

they have and to keep investing to keep

the university attractive uh but we do

need long-term Solutions across the

sector uh for the situation that we're

in in higher

education but you would like that policy

change those immigration restrictions

reversed

right I think there's lots of ways that

we could um improve uh our offer for

overseas students there's things that

the universities that could do there's

things that the university uh sector

could do there's things that the

government can do we're working to make

sure that our offer is really attractive

to students one of the things that

people are worried about is students

having visas and coming here um and not

not really developing the skills that

they're uh they're paying for and so

we're certainly making sure that our

future skills offer for students is

making them more employable so I think

that's what the public want to see they

want students coming here and getting a

great experience and yes being welcoming

in every way we can to get those

students to come and study at English

universities British universities that

really offer fantastic programs for

students if the education secretary were

sitting here right now how much would

you tell her that University fees

domestic students pay should

be I think that that's a really

difficult question because students are

worried about the sticker price if you

like even though they don't pay that

back straight away and experts uh on

University science and people like

Martin Lewis will talk about the fact

that it's still a really great

investment for students but I think we

do need to look at whether it's

sustainable to keep the fees as they are

they were Frozen as a temporary measure

in 2017 and haven't moved since and that

means they're worth £6,500 about uh and

we have to be realistic about the

demands we put on universities I'm sorry

how much should they

be I think we have to look at what we

can deliver it's a question of what they

should be and what people can expect

from universities so you can't keep

asking universities deliver uh the

mental welfare that we deliver to people

the community work that we do all of the

demands that you put on universities

with a fixed fee uh that is um because

of inflation decreasing so I think we

have to look at that but we also have to

look at student support for example uh

student uh maintenance loans which

haven't moved either and is causing

students cost of living issues that's

making it really difficult for them so

there's a really significant piece uh

that goes beyond I think just saying one

price for

something it it doesn't sound like the

new government would step in to

intervene if a University we about to go

bust we've heard that tonight does that

surprise

you it doesn't surprise me um I think

it's slightly the wrong question so I

think we have all focused on this idea

of what if one University goes bust and

what would happen in that particular

situation uh and the fact is it's not

one University it's not even two

universities pretty much all

universities are having this problem

it's a sector-wide problem so I don't

think stepping in to deal with one

University to support one University is

is the way we should be thinking that's

very much a sticking plaster um our um

University sector organizations such as

University Alliance and universities UK

have been talking about the fact we need

to think about this as a sector we need

to act in ways that will protect the

sector uh and the country and protect

the Fantastic Education and Research

that our universities offer so I think

focusing on one University or two

universities is not the right way to

think about this problem Professor Helen

Neville from Kingston University thank

you so much for speaking with us