Their successors will have to pay up

"Gap Year Students" May Get University For Free

The rush at British universities started last month after the Government announced plans to introduce tuition fees for university students from next year. Normally thousands of young people finishing school opt for a so-called 'gap year', instead of going to university immediately.

UCAS Chief Executive, Tony Higgins, explains his reservations on the BBC's Today programme
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Education ministers are now concerned that these young people may demand a university place this autum to avoid paying tuition fees.

There have been warnings that this could overwhelm the university admissions process, leading to disappointment for many school leavers.

Sir Ron Dearing called for tuition fees

The scheme to end free university tuition and abolish student grants was laid out in the Dearing report into the future of financing the university system. But the reports suggestions led to complaints that ministers were, in effect, reneging on a contract made with those who'd secured a place under the old system, but not yet taken it up.

The Government's now looking at waiving tuition fees for people in this group, providing they do at least three months voluntary work in their year off.

With many young people waiting nervously for this weeks' 'A' Level results of their final school exams, ministers hope to have a little good news to announce soon.

Related Sites:

• The National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education
• The Dearing Report