Graeme Atherton

Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt relief in Madison, Wisconsin, April 8, 2024

What England could learn from US student loan forgiveness

Although Trump has rolled back some of Biden’s programmes, his replacement is still more progressive than England’s Plan 2 system, says Graeme Atherton

By Graeme Atherton

26 February

People queue at the entrance to Luna Park, Melbourne, symbolising widening access

Australia can teach England how to reboot widening access

A reinforced focus on access and participation plans belies the collaboration that makes a real difference, say Graeme Atherton and Philip Dent

By Graeme Atherton

22 January

An employee in the UCAS clearing house call centre calls for assistance and advice from a supervisor

PQA’s demise doesn’t mean England’s admissions system can’t be improved

Students need help to make better course choices and lifelong learners need a flexible application system, says Graeme Atherton

By Graeme Atherton

10 March

Covid’s disruptive forces should be harnessed to boost inclusion

Some countries and institutions are already grabbing the chance to widen access, says Graeme Atherton

By Graeme Atherton

19 December

Lifelong learning can give agency back to students and universities

Recommendations set out in Labour’s lifelong learning report aim to make learning a universal right, explains Graeme Atherton

By Graeme Atherton

14 March

The Conservatives should pursue bold HE plans with measured ambition

The new government should work side by side with the sector to make significant improvements to admissions and course quality, says Graeme Atherton

By Graeme Atherton

13 December

The UK’s admissions system should empower student choice

A post-qualifications admissions system would be more transparent and would help students to make better choices about their higher education, argues Graeme Atherton

By Graeme Atherton

14 August