Degree of success

Funding pressures, an inevitable consequence of Britain's debt burden, are already impinging upon the world-class reputation of some faculties, according to Professor Michael Arthur, the vice-chancellor of the University of Leeds and chairman of the influential Russell Group.

His priority, however, does not appear to be shared by Ministers who want even more students to study at degree level – a natural follow-on to Labour's stated aim to raise the school leaving age from 16 to 18 years. Once again, it is a noble intention and this Government has worked tirelessly to improve the opportunities offered to young people from non-affluent backgrounds.

The risk, however, is that the quality of university education is diminished as a result of academics being required to teach more students, and on smaller budgets.

Of course, this should not preclude universities from efficiency savings. Every aspect of the public sector believes it is a special case. If dispensation is granted in certain circumstances, the Government will have no chance of reducing the deficit to more manageable proportions because every policy sphere will want the same treatment.

Even in these difficult times, ambition should be encouraged and nurtured. It is not the fault of young people that their political leaders have made such a mess of the economy. But there also needs to be pragmatism – and especially on matters like tuition fees, a subject which the main parties seem curiously reluctant to discuss prior to the election.