Andy Burnham takes office with higher education in crisis
Andy Burnham became Prime Minister today following Keir Starmer’s resignation last month, and higher education leaders have set out what they want from him: a funding settlement, a resolution on the international student levy, and clarity on the Lifelong Learning Entitlement due in January. He inherits a sector with deficits across most institutions and a loan system an inquiry has found was mis-sold.
Postgraduate master’s finance forms published
The Student Loans Company has published the application forms and guidance for postgraduate master’s finance for 2026/27, along with the identity documents required. The master’s loan is a single sum covering fees and living costs, it is not means-tested, and applying early matters because the first instalment arrives after enrolment. Is a masters worth it covers the decision.
Student Loans Company, 20 July
£537,000 spent objecting to a bus route
Cambridge’s poorest college spent more than £537,000 opposing a proposed busway before settling for £158,000 and withdrawing. Collegiate finances are separate from the university’s, and the sum is worth setting beside the hardship funds and bursaries the same institutions describe as constrained.