BU Vice-Chancellor’s thoughts on government proposals in The Guardian

Posted on Wednesday, December 11 2013

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, wrote a piece for The Guardian discussing the impact of the government’s recent proposal to stop student number controls.

In the opinion piece, which appeared on The Guardian’s Higher Education network, he said: “Christmas just came early for a future generation of students.

“Higher education is a fundamental good for both the individual and society, and any effort to make it more accessible to a larger number of people should be applauded.”

He went on to say, “Speaking as a father, I am pleased that when my children start thinking about going to university they will have a much better chance of entering higher education, and will be much more likely to get a place at the university they want to study at.”

Referring to Bournemouth University, Vinney said there will now be “a true market in higher education, with all the joys and sorrows that come with it.

“Most providers will remain absolutely committed to providing the best possible experience for students. The government was very clear on this point, providers cannot expand at the expense of quality.”

Vinney suggested there is still time to consider more sustainable funding methods, despite concerns over the future of higher education financing through the sale of student loan books. He has been working with University Alliance on proposals to finance the system in a more sustainable way in future.

Vinney concluded his article stating: “The freeing of controls is a landmark moment for the sector and I for one am glad that a little bit of ideological policymaking has prevailed at last.”

Read The Guardian article in full

By Peter Blackhall
2nd year BA Public Relations student at Bournemouth University