Leading article: Unfair bargains

Will universities that can't recruit enough students in the post-top-up fee world slash their prices at the last minute during Clearing?

Will universities that can't recruit enough students in the post-top-up fee world slash their prices at the last minute during Clearing? That question is being seriously pondered by university chiefs. The Office for Fair Access has said it won't stop universities offering bargain basement deals. But there is no doubt that the practice would cause a stink because it would lead to students with reasonable A-levels getting in and paying the full £3,000, but those who fail to make the grade being accepted at Clearing but paying less. Parents can justifiably claim that is not fair. It's the opposite of what happens in the airline industry, where you pay less if you are good and book early and more if you leave it until the last minute.