Government publishes higher education white paper

The Government has today published its higher education white paper "Success as a Knowledge Economy". In response Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC) said: “Choice, access and quality are the welcome watchwords of the Government’s long-awaited plans to open up higher education and to allow more colleges to award HE qualifications. “This step change away from the country’s traditional university system will empower more people than ever before to access HE in their local area through a college. It will also provide a wider choice of courses that are linked to employment. “Students, colleges and employers will welcome these plans, which mean more opportunities for people to access the most suitable and best value higher education courses. This is a particular benefit for those who are employed and want to study part-time. "We hope that the white paper develops further into legislation and that it addresses the reduction in the number of people studying for a higher education qualification on a part time basis, reinforcing the diversity of the HE landscape and providing the higher level skills needed in the economy. “We will be interested to see how the recommendations relate to the forthcoming skills white paper and the findings of the review into technical and professional education carried out by a panel led by Lord David Sainsbury.” AoC has published a briefing on the White Paper.