Exam success and the student debt crisis

THE Mail congratulates all the hardworking A-level pupils who yesterday achieved the grades they need to find jobs or go to university.

But their justified celebrations must not distract from the profound problems which persist within our education system.

After years of rampant grade inflation, this should have been the year in which the reforms advanced by Michael Gove as Education Secretary finally began to take effect, including tougher exams in subjects such as English, chemistry and history.

But regrettably, the ‘all must have prizes’ culture has triumphed once again, as pass marks have been adjusted down so students don’t ‘miss out’ – a decision which will undermine this long overdue effort to restore rigour to the system.

Then there is university funding. The Mail accepts there is no alternative but to charge tuition fees for students who benefit from higher education.

But there is no justification whatsoever for the stratospheric interest rates charged on student debt which, at 6 per cent, are more expensive than a bank loan.

After graduating with average debts of £50,000, students face bigger repayments if they earn a higher salary – a huge disincentive to seek better paid work. Worse, many are still pushed into courses which little enhance their earning potential.

Meanwhile, the university gravy train continues unchecked, as vice chancellors and legions of managers are paid salaries far in excess of the Prime Minister.

So is it any wonder that so many students feel so aggrieved? Or that they are tempted by Jeremy Corbyn’s hollow promise to ‘deal with’ their debts and abolish fees?

Ministers must confront these issues, or risk alienating an entire generation.