Record numbers off to University
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
A record number of students have been accepted into university this year, with a greater number of opportunities and choices opening up.
There has been more flexibility introduced, so universities can recruit more students, making it possible for more young people to access the institution of their choice.
Liberal Democrats have worked to make sure the system is as fair as possible in order to protect lower earning graduates. No student pays up front and they only pay back once they're earning over £21,000.
Applications rates for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds has risen to the highest number ever recorded. Thanks to the safeguards put in place, the gap between the most advantaged and the most disadvantaged university students is narrowing.
Liberal Democrats have also increased the number of apprenticeships available, so that there are more options open to students. There are now 1.8 million apprentices, the biggest expansion since 1950s.