N8 Research Partnership: equipped to deliver government’s missions and priorities for Higher Education reform

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Underpinned by world class research, innovation, impact and education provision, the N8 Research Partnership is uniquely placed to help the Government deliver the mission led approach that underpinned its election-winning manifesto.

In a letter to Vice-Chancellors, the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson MP has now identified five “priorities for reform” that the university sector must focus on in the coming years.

They are efficiency; expanding access and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students; making a stronger contribution to economic growth; playing a greater civic role in communities; and “raising the bar” on teaching standards.

At the N8, our eight world-class universities form a ‘Golden Octagon’ and we are ready to use our long-standing collaboration to work even more closely on these priorities.

Our universities provide incredible student experiences, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to flourish. We deliver first-class research that addresses the biggest problems the world is currently facing.

Powered by collaboration with business and local and combined authorities, N8’s members are engines of economic growth and creators of highly skilled jobs where they are most urgently needed.

This is achieved while serving as an exemplar model of how institutions can work together to deliver value for money.

Yet while the N8 works hard to pool resources, it is undeniable that the excellent work our universities do is threatened by the widespread uncertainty caused by precarious finances in the sector.

This week’s announcements on tuition fees and maintenance loans were therefore positive steps but there is more for both the government and universities to do to ensure Ms Phillipson’s priorities for the sector can be achieved.

As such, we welcome the government’s plans to publish a long-term plan for universities. We need a more overarching review of the funding of the sector ahead of the comprehensive spending review so that we can move away from the uncertain financial situation both universities and students are currently experiencing.

The N8 looks forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure its mission-led approach succeeds, with a thriving and robust higher education sector at the heart of the UK’s growth strategy.

To find out more about how the N8 supports regional economic growth, please download our prospectus.