Under the plan being discussed in Whitehall, students without a pass in GCSE English could be unable to access government-backed loans. The Guardian reported that more than 33,000 domestic students who began full-time first degrees in 2024-25 had no formal qualifications such as GCSEs<\/strong>, A-levels or recognised equivalents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Critics argue the change would most affect students from poorer or non-traditional backgrounds, including mature learners, those educated overseas, and people who struggled at school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rachel Hewitt<\/a>, chief executive of MillionPlus, said universities already assess whether students can meet English language requirements. She said the approach risked blocking mature students seeking to return to education. Libby Hackett<\/a>, chief executive of the Russell Group, said she supported a national minimum entry standard in principle. She added that any system would need flexibility for trusted institutions, especially for mature students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Department for Education said it would not comment on speculation. A spokesperson said the government was \u201ccracking down on poor-quality courses<\/em>\u201d so students <\/a>could be confident they were getting value for money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The loan proposal arrives alongside pressure on university finances. According to Times Higher Education, the government is preparing to cut the Strategic Priorities Grant by \u00a3100 million for the coming academic year. The grant supports high-cost courses, including healthcare and technical skills. It also funds other priorities <\/strong>across the sector. The same grant was already reduced by \u00a3100 million for 2025-26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/GCSE-English-loan-rule-could-restrict-university-access-for-33000-students-1200x727.jpg\")
Universities Face Another Cut to Teaching Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n