Degree of concern

The Deputy Prime Minister still has his work cut out to convince students that this financial U-turn, with the Lib Dems supporting annual fees of up to £9,000, was in the national economic interest and would not detract from the coalition’s social mobility agenda.

It’s not just in Sheffield where the fall in applications outstrips the national average. The same is applicable at Leeds Met and other former polytechnics critical to enabling youngsters from poorer backgrounds to study degree courses.

However, while Mr Clegg needs to do far more to promote bursaries and safeguards on repayments that they have put in place, the headline statistics do offer him some comfort.

First, the nationwide fall in applicants is offset, in part, by A-level students who chose to begin their university studies last autumn rather than enjoy a gap year.

Second, changes to the country’s demographics mean admissions were always going to decline this year – regardless of tuition fees.

Third, students don’t have to move away to study – they can always choose a university that is within easy travel reach to help offset accommodation costs.

And, finally, universities have a chance to reflect on the impact of their pricing policy – and whether they should lower fees and look at other means, such as research grants or the creation of starter companies, to boost income streams.

Yet, despite these caveats, Mr Clegg still faces an uphill struggle in persuading young people from deprived areas that finance will not be a barrier to them fulfilling their potential at university. It is a test that the Lib Dem leader has still to pass.