‘Misguided’ plans to change student loan requirements criticised by the National Deaf Children’s Society

UK Government proposals to block pupils from taking out student loans if they fail to meet specific GCSE or A-Level requirements have been branded “misguided” by a leading deaf charity.

Under new potential options, published on Thursday, pupils would either have to pass GCSE Maths and English (at Grade 4) or gain two E grades at A-Level in order to qualify for student finance.

“We consider that a MER [minimum eligibility requirement] set at this level would ensure that students undertaking degree study have attained the baseline skills required to engage with and benefit from the course.

The proposals are the latest development in the UK Government’s review of post-18 education and funding, launched by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2018.

Michelle Donelan, the Universities Minister, told the Centre for Policy Studies: “In response to the recommendations made by the Augar panel, we are going to be seeking views on exploring the use of targeted student number controls as a possible option to stem the growth of low quality courses.

“It is also right that we have the conversation about low level minimum eligibility requirements, which could be a return to the old requirement of 2 ‘E’ grades at A Level or equivalent, with exemptions of course including for mature students.

“Real social mobility is not achieved by pushing young people into university if they are not ready.”

However, the National Deaf Children’s Society have warned the plans would make it “even harder for deaf young people to reach higher education”, adding that it “must not go ahead”.

Martin McLean, Higher Education Lead at the charity, said: “Just half pass GCSE English and Maths, compared to three quarters of hearing students, and it’s often because a lack of support delayed their development of language through no fault of their own.

“It would be particularly harsh on those who use British Sign Language. Even though it’s a recognised language of the UK, they could be barred from entry to university because their second language, English, is not deemed good enough.

“A quick-fix, blanket policy like this would do nothing for deaf students except hit them with yet another unfair disadvantage.”

Alistair Jarvis, chair of the representative body Universities UK, said in response to the proposals: “The country needs its universities and graduates to be at the forefront of post-COVID economic recovery, supporting the NHS and creating good jobs in local communities.

“Now is not the time to shrink or underfund universities, nor place a cap on aspiration by restricting the number of places for people to study at university.​

“Government must ensure that anyone with the potential to succeed at university has the opportunity to do so and the country has the supply of highly-skilled people that business and public services need.”

The UK Government’s consultation on the plans is now open until 6 May 2022.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.