Number of universities charging £9,000 a year is growing, says watchdog

The study found the increase was largely a result of further education colleges running degree courses increasing their charges

Young people protest against tuition fee increases in 2014 - the student vote can be the difference between winning and losing a seat (Getty Images)

The number of universities charging the maxim student fee of £9,000 a year is growing, according to a published report by the universities’ access watchdog.

The study by OFFA, the Office for Fair Access, shows the number has gone up from 130 to 139 in the past year - largely as a result of further education colleges running degree courses increasing their charges.

Professor Les Ebdon, director of OFFA, said: “There are now greater rates of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education than ever before - but we know talent is still being lost. (Christopher Furlong/ Getty)

In all, 31 f.e colleges now charge the maximum for some of their courses - compared with just nine a year.

The number of universities charging the maxim for all their courses has also risen - up from 44 to 47 (roughly a quarter of all institutions). It means the average fee has risen from £8,716 to £8, 781 - only £219 short of the maximum.

However, the study which analyses access agreements struck by OFFA with institutions charging more than £6,000 for their courses, also reveals they are planning to invest £750.8 million on measures aimed at increasing the number of disadvantaged students going to university. Of this, £399 million be spent on financial support - including bursaries and fee waivers.

Professor Les Ebdon, director of OFFA, said: “There are now greater rates of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education than ever before - but we know talent is still being lost.

“Too many people who have the talent to excel are not given full opportunity to demonstrate their ability. Eroding the stubborn link between your background as a child and you life chances as an adult is a long-term project.”