Higher fess hit student numbers

9.40.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 28th Mar 2008

University students

The number of students going to university has fallen since variable fees were introduced, statistics show. The figure dropped back to 40% of the 17-30 age group in 2006/07 from a high of 42% the previous year. Lecturers say the figures should serve as a warning to the government on the effects of fees on students.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Stephen Williams said "The Government seems to be slipping even further away from reaching its target of getting half of young people into higher education. Widening participation is the key to increasing the number of young people in higher education and ministers must focus on driving up aspiration and achievement in our schools, particularly amongst pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Financial barriers that risk putting potential students off going to university must also be addressed."