Smith: University reform must be built upon unique qualities of the Scottish system

Tomorrow (Monday 15th August 2010), Scottish Conservatives will argue that Scotland is well placed to lead from the front when it comes to the reform of higher education.

Speaking ahead of attending the summit meeting in Glasgow, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said:

"We are at a major crossroads with regard to deciding the future of higher education, yet in Scotland, I believe we are well placed to lead from the front.

“That is because we now have renewed scope to build upon the three main strengths which give Scotland's higher education institutions a unique quality.

“The most important of these is the autonomy of the universities themselves. They must be as free as possible to decide their own future in a way that distinguishes them from many other systems in the world and which avoids too much interference by government.

“Secondly, Scotland's university system is better placed than most to be more flexible in terms of changing structures, whether these relate to links with schools and colleges, a more diverse qualifications system, boosting links with the private sector and developing greater economies of scale.

“Thirdly, it is the proud tradition of Scotland that university entrance is built upon academic merit and that no student is excluded because of social background. That principle must continue as the bedrock of the system.

“Our universities are desperate to know what the future will hold. So far, the SNP Government has provided nothing but dither and distraction. In fact, both the SNP and Labour have been slow to act and both are devoid of any ideas about how to ensure the financial future of universities and students in Scotland against a widening funding gap between England and Scotland.

“Scottish Conservatives put our cards on the table early on as we accept changes have to be made. Scottish problems require Scottish solutions but both Labour and the SNP are cowering in fear, hoping the problem will go away. It won’t and they need to realise that.”

Scottish Conservatives reject up-front fees, and we reject a pure graduate tax. We accept there is going to have to be a graduate contribution, repayable from future earnings and at an affordable rate.

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