Just pull the Student Numbers Controls lever. I'm not saying there are no political consequences, it's just you can't be scared of moving away from the model a very unsuccessful government left behind in every policy area. And not doing so will be worse. - ThreadSky

richardcarr.bsky.social • 6 days ago

Just pull the Student Numbers Controls lever. I'm not saying there are no political consequences, it's just you can't be scared of moving away from the model a very unsuccessful government left behind in every policy area. And not doing so will be worse.

Reposted from Glen O'Hara

The UK government is about to take two steps fatal to the survival of its Higher Education system, and it doesn't even know it. 👇

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hbsj.bsky.social•6 days ago

The problem is that if the government enforces student number controls, they have to take responsibility for the problems it creates (ie there won't be enough money to meet all univs needs)

Blame the market, or bail out unis one at a time, is a much easier policy

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

Oh absolutely, I think this is a big chunk of the rationale. Gradual, seemingly one-off instances, they can bat away. But they still should take the bull by the horns.

hbsj.bsky.social•6 days ago

It seems that they are doing at least some secret bailouts

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

As I've said before, find some ways to badge it (they exist!). Housing market stabilisation. Safeguarding a major local employer. And yes, a better, more functional university system. One of those "and we are putting it on an even footing" type serious Commons speeches.

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

There might need to be some guarantees and/or loans to weed some universities off the crack pipe of stockpiling English and history students three to a chair, but even these you predicate on wider reform.

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

Or I guess just sit there, who knows. I guess we'll see.

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

George Osborne caused it. It has been rubbish. You can (I’m not in love with this) brand it as about protecting the prestigious God tier Russell Group’s standards if you want to pull the snob card. “If Tabitha gets the grades she can of course still go to the RG.” Upfront spend: minimal if any.

uncouthswain.bsky.social•6 days ago

With fewer places, top grades weren't enough, so RGs could be more selective in terms of quality and diversity of candidates. Harder to achieve when everyone who gets the grades can be / needs to be hoovered up.

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

The Mail will print a story or two, sure, but occasionally you do need to do things…

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

Also, internal politics wise, it’s a solution that the Home Office can’t kibosh (and to be honest would, if anything, probably welcome at the margins)

leesavage.bsky.social•6 days ago

It would also still need a long term solution, otherwise, it's just kicking the can down the road. The fundamental problem of a sector that is told to act like it's a market but in which institutions can't actually compete on any dimension that matters would still remain

richardcarr.bsky.social•6 days ago

Yep. Agreed. In the current context, I'll take the can kicking for now

leesavage.bsky.social•6 days ago

I think that's fair enough, any port in a storm. I'm just tired of fighting what seems to be a forever war

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