Student surge sparks funding reform call

"The education system in England is rightfully celebrated for its excellence. However, what is needed is a tertiary system that is fairer, more efficient and more effective than the system we now operate in," the AoC report states.

Industry leaders say the projected 18-percent increase in the number of 16- to 18-year-olds between now and 2030, which is known as a "demographic bulge", emphasizes the urgent requirement for expanding the provision of apprenticeships, technical qualifications, and university degrees, in order to enable greater numbers of people to benefit from higher and further education.

In an interview with China Daily, John Rushforth, executive secretary of the Committee of University Chairs, said the demographic bulge offers opportunity to reform the system, but only if it is properly funded.

"An expansion in higher education for example, could help tackle social mobility issues and enable greater numbers of those from disadvantaged backgrounds to benefit from higher education," he said. "The demographic bulge itself is unlikely to rebalance the system toward alternatives to our current system — what will be needed is to tackle other barriers."

Such challenges were highlighted in a report from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, published last year, which found that 61 percent of former applicants did not pursue an apprenticeship because they could not find one in their preferred location. It said creating more high-quality apprenticeships across the UK could help meet soaring demand while tackling talent shortages.