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The School's response.

LSE Rejects £9k Fees

Majority agree that £8k best improves access – only university in the Russell Group

March 11, 2011

Today, the LSE Academic Board met to discuss and decide future undergraduate fee levels for the academic year of 2012/13. With LSE expecting a 100% cut to government teaching grants, the Board received proposals from LSE to set fees at either £8,000 (with 40% above £6,000 set aside for bursaries, widening participation etc) or £9,000 (with 50% above £6,000 set aside). The narrow parameters of these options have outraged many students, academics and university staff alike, who in recent months believed that LSE would be likely to pick a more progressive option.

The debate was heated, with a wide range of opinions put forward regarding both options, and alongside an amendment from the LSE UCU for a fee of £7,600. Academics agreed by a narrow margin that £8k would in-practice would best increase access to middle and low income students. A final affirmation from LSE Council is forthcoming. Although in the past no academic board decision has ever been over-ruled by Council.

Charlotte Gerada, LSE Students’ Union General Secretary stated that “I’m grateful and proud that a majority of LSE academics voiced the argument that although the £9k option seems to present a more ‘progressive’ package, actually what matters most is the headline figure and the potential deterrent effect.” Charlotte also noted her concern that “LSE Council may try to over-rule this decision by Board to support a £9k fee because it won by a small margin,” and continued to say that “that would be out right wrong; evidently many academics are unsure about the impacts of the full £9k fee on widening participation, and a fair, democratic vote was taken, and should be upheld.”

Ashok Kumar, LSE Students’ Union Education Offer stated “The Academic Board has today accepted 8K in favour of access and affordability. This is not only about the LSE ethic, but also a political statement about rejecting, at least in part, the policies of this government”. Kumar added, “No doubt the upper-echelon of the university is in damage control, claiming the powers of Council, but we know that it would be disastrous for them to reject the decision of Academic Board, in fact it would be unprecedented.” The next Council meeting is on the 25th of May, and the final decision will be made there.

Daniel Kroop, LSE Students’ Union Postgraduate Officer said, “Internationals and postgraduates are proud of the decision LSE made today. Our global reputation and student population has always made us unique. The vote to reject £9000 today reinforces the LSE’s founding commitment to diversity and equity in education. This is a very important turning point.”

Whilst the LSE sabbatical officers and student members of the Academic Board are positive about the vote in favour of the lowest fee level option, students now await the final approval on the 25th of May.

 Media Contacts

Charlotte Gerada

General Secretary, LSE Students' Union

07971395413

Ashok Kumar

Education Officer, LSE Students’ Union

Ph: 07799793618

Photos at yFrog