The substantial increase in per student funding that came with the new fees and funding policy was predicated on increased and widening participation in universities. We have questioned the 50 per cent target, particularly given evidence that graduates are now frequently being placed in non-graduate jobs. Other forms of higher and further education, and apprenticeships, are valuable alternatives to university, depending upon students’ interests and abilities. In any case, we feel strongly that expansion should not be a reason for lowering standards, particularly under policies which provided more than sufficient additional unit of resource – if wisely used – to provide extra support for non-traditional students. Indeed, that was the policy quid pro quo for a university being allowed to raise fees beyond the base £6000 up to £9000.

We have already raised our concerns that the top universities simply cream off more of the best students in general and meet widening participation objectives by taking the best non-traditional applicants, without engaging in sufficient outreach to widen the pool. As we move through the hierarchy, both for the existential need to attract more students and the more honourable motive to offer better life chances, universities lower down the league tables may feel they have to offer low entry requirements. It is doubtful whether, however committed and talented their teaching may be, they will be able to bring students to the same level and on similar courses after three years as those admitted to the top universities.

For these reasons, if we are to maintain high standards throughout the system, we feel that the diversity of institutions has to be kept in mind. It may be that we are moving toward the varied post-compulsory offering that Dearing advocated but at the price that the term ‘university’ now has a wider meaning. This is not to say that those universities with world class researchers and courses which make the highest intellectual demands are making a more valuable contribution. It is not so much a question of ‘better’ or ‘worse’ but different. Quantum Physics is not available everywhere and neither should it be, but that is not to say that less academically demanding courses and those that do not require research activity within the department are not important – to the individual and to society – and they may open up opportunities for further study to those wanting it and whose potential is revealed.