Over a hundred students braved the pouring rain to join the protest, organised by NUS in collaboration with students’ unions from the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, the University of Bath, Bath Spa University and the University of Plymouth.
Students forming a giant ‘£’ sign to symbolise the debt brought on by tuition fees while chanting and providing entertainment to the passers by.
The activity generated lots of press interest as local students took action to highlight the lack of opportunities open to many young people in some areas of the city:
- Only 1 person in 10 from the Bristol South constituency goes on to attend university, compared to over 5 in 10 from Bristol West
- It is no coincidence that 62% of Bristol South residents are from lower socio-economic backgrounds, compared to just 27% of Bristol West residents
Even if a poorer student does manage to make it to university, they are still likely to experience inequality:
- The University of Bristol, with just 14% of its students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, is able to spend over £7,000 on each student per year
- The University of the West of England, with nearly a third of its students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, is only able to spend just over £3,400 on each student per year
NUS President Wes Streeting said:
“Students in Bristol and Bath are taking a stand today because the current university system is failing many young people in this city and across the country.
“At the moment, the average student will graduate with £20,000 of debt. This year’s review of higher education funding will consider pushing fees even higher. This would mean that the most prestigious institutions would be able to charge more than others, pricing out poorer students and worsening the inequality that already exists.
“NUS believes that a university education should be free at the point of use, with graduates giving back to the system depending on how much they earn. Our proposals would give universities double the amount of funding they currently receive, while allowing the children of poorer families to go to university without the fear of debt.”
Owen Peachey, President of University of Bristol Students' Union, said:
"Raising fees could prevent many from accessing higher education. We believe that higher education should be invested in more fairly, and that it should be free at the point of use.”
Katy Phillips, President of the University of the West of England Students' Union, said:
“The current Higher Education funding system is unsustainable and saddles graduates with huge amounts of debt. Any increase in tuition fees will price out many potential students from getting a degree.”
Today’s student action is part of a series of NUS ‘Town Takeovers’, which will see protests and debates in 10 cities across England during October, November and December.
The open debate in Bristol will take place between 7 and 9pm today. Speakers include Wes Streeting, President, NUS; Ian Jamieson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Bath; John Rushforth, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of the West of England; Paul Smith, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol West (Labour); Paul Harrod, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol North West (Lib Dem).
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