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The vice chancellor of the University of Leicester has warned that raising university tuition fees should not mean fewer people from working class families entering higher education. His comments come following a review into the funding of higher education by Lord Browne.

Professor Sir Bob Burgess said he “welcomed” the review, but that the recommendations should be acted upon “to increase choice and opportunities for students from all backgrounds rather than restrict them”.

The professor said that lifting the current £3,290 per year cap on fees must be accompanied by the introduction of a comprehensive and clear system of student support including bursaries, scholarships and loans. He added that he welcomed the proposal to raise the salary level at which repayments of student loans begin to £21,000.

Sir Bob’s comments follow the findings of research conducted by the University of Leicester and OpinionPanel showing that while the vast majority of prospective students would still seek to enter higher education, even if fees are significantly increased, those from poorer backgrounds are more likely to be deterred.

The university’s research also found that prospective students are willing to pay more to study at the most prestigious universities, and for courses in subjects where job prospects are better.

Sir Bob said: “The government’s commitment to building a fairer Britain should be clearly signalled by measures to protect those who are financially disadvantaged from being unable to access higher education. This will be key to avoiding the creation of a two-tier higher education system in which the research-intensive universities become even more exclusive.

"What we must strive for is a higher education system that is elite without being elitist – that is why the principle of protecting widening participation to the top institutions is vital.”