The UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences, The British Academy responds to the Government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper

We welcome the Government’s decision to consult on its vision for post-16 education and skills. We are pleased that the White Paper offers some clarity for the sector and some immediate security on tuition fees over the next two years. As policy details are developed, we will examine closely the implications for the humanities and social sciences (SHAPE) subjects, which are central to the UK’s economic, cultural and civic strength.

We urge the Government to act as steward of our world-leading higher education and research system, guided by clear evidence of the benefit for students, society and the economy. This will require broad consideration of how we fund, monitor and regulate universities to ensure they can continue to serve the public good.

There are some areas of interest for which we seek further clarification from the Government:

Maintaining strategic advantage in education and research

The UK has a world-leading higher education and research system. This fundamentally entwined research and higher education provision drives economic growth, improves wellbeing, and enhances our understanding of people and the societies in which we live. But universities are being asked to do ever more – to deliver for students, lead world-class research, anchor local communities and drive national growth – without the necessary funding or policy environment to thrive.

In recent years, we have made strong progress in increasing research investment. We must ensure that today’s proposals do not undo this progress.

Attaching a levy to international student fees

International students enrich our campuses, communities and economy. Though we welcome efforts to reduce financial pressure on students, linking support to international student recruitment, and an income stream which is already overworked, is risky and unsustainable. It could further weaken universities at a time when many are already cutting courses and struggling to cover basic costs.

Tying student support to a list of priority subjects risks exacerbating inequality of access to our subjects, which our research shows is growing, further reducing opportunity for all.

The Academy strongly opposes the introduction of a levy on international student fees.

A skills base that drives economic growth and social cohesion

The Government’s industrial strategy recognises the need for creativity, data literacy, communication and global awareness – precisely the attributes developed through the humanities and social sciences.

We worry there could be a mismatch between the subjects prioritised in today’s higher education proposals and the skills required for economic growth in the UK. High value and growth driving sectors such as AI, green innovation, creative industries, advanced manufacturing and financial and business services depend on the analytical and ethical capabilities humanities and social science graduates bring to the job market.

We support academic and vocational qualifications being seen as complementary routes towards a skilled and competitive workforce. Regardless of the type of qualifications, all further education requires sustainable investment. Severe financial pressures on universities now threaten the excellence of our teaching and research base.

Professor Susan J Smith, President of the British Academy, said:

“This White Paper is welcome for those of us in higher education and beyond who have been keen for the Government to set out its vision for the future of post-16 education and skills and, importantly, tackle the challenges in the sector. Increasing tuition fees in line with inflation for the next two years will provide welcome relief to the strain on institution finances, though more action will be needed to reverse the decline experienced over the last few years.

“We should not undersell how highly the insights and skills from a SHAPE degree are valued by employers. These courses lead to rewarding and varied careers and their graduates contribute significantly to our economy. In a turbulent world these subjects also offer hope and a guiding light, deeper understanding and creative solutions: from AI and economic growth to wellbeing and cohesion in our communities.

“Ensuring all young people have the opportunity to benefit from SHAPE subjects after the age of 16, whether that is through traditionally academic or more vocational further education, is pressing and ever-more necessary.”