In Bristol, students have launched a rebellion against fees. Fees at the University have increased, despite cut backs to teaching, the students claim.

More than six hundred students have signed a complaint that claims the University has made cutbacks to teaching despite raising annual fees to more than £3,000 in 2006.

A spokesman for the University denied students were receiving less teaching time and said it was "not true" that increased tuition fees were intended to lead directly to improved teaching.

Across the board

Higher fees and cuts in teaching are not reserved to Bristol, however. Students across the UK have been speaking out against the system.

At Birmingham City University students held two weeks of action on fees, which included sending postcards to MPs stating how much debt students would graduate with. Almost 300 postcards were collected. The students are also hoping to run a ‘Seeing R£D event at Gatecrasher this year.

Meanwhile, in Sheffield students had a debate with all political parties, including an audience with David Blunkett.

Making a stand

NUS President Wes Streeting says students are speaking out becuase the current funding system is unfair.

"Over the last few months, students across the country have been making a stand because the current system is completely unfair. All students have to pay £3,145 a year in top-up fees, but they face a postcode lottery when it comes to financial support. Richer universities in the Russell Group can offer poorer students an average annual bursary of £1,791, but those from the Million+ group can only offer £680,” says NUS President Wes Streeting.

"On top of this, some students are facing the prospect of staff cuts at their universities. It is unacceptable for the quality of education at our univerisities to be compromised, while vice-chancellors fantasise about charging even higher fees.”

NUS is calling for a national bursary scheme, to make it fairer for students.

"We want a national bursary scheme, so that poorer students get financial support based on how much they need it, not on where they study,” explains Wes.

“Students and parents also deserve a full, frank and public debate about the current fees system ahead of a general election before families are saddled with even more debt by those who want to see the cap on fees lifted."