Student loans for all FE students are inching towards becoming a reality. 

The government’s review of post-18 education and funding is due to publish its report over the coming weeks. It has been reported that among the recommendations could be a call for college students to be given access to student loans on similar terms to those going to university - even including maintenance loans to cover living costs. This, it is hoped, would encourage more people to pursue vocational training. 

The latest leaks suggest the review panel, chaired by businessman Philip Augar, could recommend maintaining the maximum £9,250 tuition fee, but reducing the proportion paid for through loans.

The difference could be made up with direct funding from government, in order to keep university income from student tuition level while at the same time reducing the debt burden on students.

Some 400 pieces of evidence were submitted to the review; many suggesting that institutional funding for FE providers was too low. To which, we say: well, duh.