The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) confirmed today that tuition fees at English universities will average £8.393 in 2012; this figure is significantly higher than the government’s original estimate. Around a third of English universities will be allowed to charge £9,000 for at least some courses in 2012. However, under the agreement with higher education institutions, OFFA require proof that institutions will commit to “improving access for students who are under-represented in higher education” when approving these high fees.

When it was announced by the government that from September 2012, universities in England will be allowed to raise tuition fees up to £9,000 per year, Business Secretary, Vince Cable, stated that fees over £6,000 would only be levied in exceptional circumstances. But it soon became apparent that many universities planned to charge the top fee of £9,000, causing embarrassment to the government and an unanticipated level of public spending on government funded student loans. So, today’s announcement from OFFA needed to spell out exactly how universities could justify those fees and how they would improve access for those students ‘under-represented in higher education’.

OFFA have revealed that English universities and colleges charging above £6,000 for their courses plan to boost their spending on access measures to £602 million a year by 2015-16, up from £407 million in 2011-12. After negotiation, OFFA has approved 2012-13 Access Agreements for 139 institutions – 123 higher education institutions and 16 further education colleges.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Sir Graeme Davies, Director of Fair Access, said, “ “These Agreements represent a considerable commitment by universities and colleges to improving access for students who are under-represented in higher education and where appropriate, improving retention and student success.

“We consider that long-term, targeted outreach is key to widening participation and fair access and in our guidance we asked institutions to increase their efforts in this area. Outreach includes activities such as summer schools, working closely with schools to raise pupils’ aspirations and attainment, mentoring, and advice and guidance for pupils.”

However, Liam Burns, president of the National Union of Students, has responded to the announcement, "Fee waivers are being used in a cynical attempt to cover up the mess made when the government trebled the tuition fee cap, instead of properly supporting less-wealthy students.

"Vince Cable had stated that fees over £6,000 would only be levied in exceptional circumstances but his solemn promise has quite clearly now been left in tatters."

In a separate statement, Vince Cable added, "We will be monitoring performance on fair access closely every year to ensure we see tangible progress in opening the doors of our universities to the most disadvantaged."