Academy responds to publication of Lord Browne’s independent review

• Date: 12-10-2010

 We responded today (12 October 2010) to the publication of Lord Browne’s independent review into higher education funding and student finance in England.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Chief Executive, Higher Education Academy, said:

“The review addresses the need for a sustainable, properly-funded higher education system, which we welcome. Removing the cap on tuition fees would lead to many students paying more for their time at university, which will raise their expectations – they will quite rightly seek value for money. Higher education institutions will need to focus more than ever on preserving and enhancing the quality of the student learning experience. The HEA supports the sector in the enhancement of the learning experience of students, and we will continue to provide advice and guidance to the sector on a range of learning and teaching issues.

“In particular, we will continue to support them in putting good teaching at the heart of a quality student experience. We welcome the report’s recommendation that new academics with teaching responsibilities should undertake a teacher training qualification accredited by the Higher Education Academy. We also welcome the report’s recognition of the UK Professional Standards Framework, originally developed by the HEA on behalf of the sector, and its use for accrediting individual institutions’ own teaching development activity so that it meets a nationally recognised minimum standard.

“Debate about how the sector can work together to improve the quality of the student learning experience is always welcome. We look forward to continued discussion.”