Universities: Six-figure academics on the rise

The number of university vice-chancellors earning six-figure salaries rose by almost 50 per cent in 1995-6, a survey revealed yesterday. A total of 61 heads of institutions were paid pounds 100,000 or more last year, rising from 44 in 1994-5 and making six-figure sums virtually the norm.

However, the biggest earners were not vice-chancellors but heads of other, mainly medical, higher education institutions. Topping the table, with a salary of pounds 142,600, was John MacKenzie, who has since retired as Rector of the London Institute, the confederation of the capital's art colleges. The highest-paid vice-chancellor was Kenneth Green, who will retire from his post at Manchester Metropolitan University in September.