Universities face fines in drive for equality

UNIVERSITIES face fines or closure unless they set ‘tougher targets’ to recruit more poor students under proposals announced today.

They will be expected to offer more incentives for disadvantaged students, like lower entry grades and invitations to special summer schools.

Amid fears that some universities are still only open to those from wealthy families, the new Office for Students (OfS) is planning the the biggest shake-up of entry requirements since 2004. The plans, if adopted, would make all universities obliged to comply as the watchdog has the power to fine or deregister institutions.

Chris Millward, OfS director of fair access, said: ‘Everyone with the talent to succeed in higher education should have equal opportunity to do so, but that’s not currently the case.’