Tuition fees set to rise for first time in eight years

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has announced an increase in tuition fees from £9,250 to £9,535 per year starting in September 2025.

This is the first fee increase in eight years, with further plans aiming to exceed £10,000 by the 2029/30 academic year. Phillipson outlined the rise as part of a strategy to support universities’ financial stability and deliver “better value for money” for students and taxpayers.

The announcement was controversial, as details were leaked before being presented to Parliament, prompting Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to demand an inquiry into the source of the leak. Hoyle criticised the leak, calling for transparency and urging Phillipson to update the House on the investigation.

Phillipson expressed “deep regret” over the leak, adding that the decision reflects Labour’s commitment to “breaking down barriers to opportunity” through a sustainable higher-education system.

Keir Starmer had promised to abolish tuition fees in 2020 when running for leader of the Labour Party — a pledge later abandoned, leaving many students feeling disillusioned.

Maintenance loans will also rise by 3.1%, increasing support for lower-income students. Additionally, fees for classroom-based access courses will be reduced to £5,760, supporting alternative pathways to higher education.

The increase, while controversial, means tuition fees remain lower in real terms than they were eight years ago, especially given rising inflation and the growing costs of delivering higher education.

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