Universities UK has joined a major new initiative headed by Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com and Wes Streeting, former NUS President, to help future students and parents tackle the myths and misunderstandings – good or bad – surrounding the true cost of their education. 

Universities Minister David Willetts has committed to full co-operation to ensure swift access and support upon request.  The new group is made up of the National Union of Students (NUS), the National Association of Student Money Advisors, UCAS, Universities UK and GuildHE, as well as being supported by many others.

Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert.com’s creator, has agreed to head the new taskforce: "For 20 years we’ve educated our youth into debt when they go to university, but never about debt. For that we should hang our heads in shame.  With the huge 2012 changes coming, we must ensure students understand the true cost of their education, so they can decide whether it’s worth it.

"While I’m no fan of the changes, even more damage has been done by the crossfire of political spittle that’s left many future students and their parents confused and scared – often for the wrong reasons.  These changes are now happening, so we must explain the real impact on the pounds in students' pockets.  I hope this initiative will spread unbiased, best-of-breed apps, web, speakers, video, print, ambassadors and more.”

Wes Streeting, Helena Kennedy Foundation chief executive & NUS president 2008-10, will be deputy head: "After the heated political debate about tuition fees, I believe it is vital that potential students and their families can make informed choices about going to university based on the facts about the new system. That's why I'm prepared to play my part, as a longstanding campaigner against tuition fees, to ensure that we dispel any lingering misunderstanding about tuition fees and student finance.

"If potential students are deterred by higher fees, the Government will need to rethink its policy. But the tragedy of students, particularly from poorer backgrounds, being deterred because of myths and misconceptions is one that can be easily avoided if we all play our part."

Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Universities Minister, said: "It is vital that people understand how the new system will work from 2012. This independent group is very well placed to communicate to a huge number of prospective students, parents, teachers and universities, and I am very pleased to support this new initiative. The group will be well resourced by the sector and we will be listening to what they have to say.

"Under the new system, no new student will be asked to pay upfront costs for their tuition, there will be more financial support for poorer students and graduates will not be asked to repay their loans until they are in well paid jobs. Our reforms put students in the driving seat. I accept it needs to be more clearly understood and I thank the various people who are coming together from a wide range of backgrounds to help people get to grips with the new system."

Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, said: "We must put to one side the debates about the rights and wrongs of the new fees system and focus on the facts. The politics of tuition fees have hampered the efforts of universities to get the facts out there about student finance. This was reflected in Universities UK’s recent You Gov poll for Universities Week 2011 this week, which found that a third of parents have no or little understanding of the upcoming changes to student finance in England.

"We clearly need a fundamental shift in the way we communicate the new arrangements. This is precisely why the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance has been set up. They will act as an independent voice that will communicate with potential students and their families about the financial implications of the new funding system. Universities, schools, colleges – the entire education sector – all have a role to play here too."

Mary Curnock Cook, chief executive of UCAS, said: "UCAS provides a shop window for people thinking of applying for higher education, so it makes complete sense for us to help explain the cost of higher education as well as all the other aspects that students-to-be look for.

"Supporting the independent taskforce means we can communicate more effectively to young people, mature applicants, parents, teachers and advisers…it’s a great fit with our wider role around information and advice."

Notes

1. The task force is being established to help ensure students understand the true cost of their education after the 2012 English student finance changes. It is to be independent of government and set its own agenda – membership is of university, student groups, experts and others. It's primary aim is to co-ordinate, advocate and champion best of breed communication in the online, app, print, and broadcast spaces – allowing all interested groups, eg, schools, colleges, universities – to help students understand the changes, access to the best unbiased educational tools to do so.