Coalition 2010 is a united alliance of leading organisations within the education sector that are committed to keeping the £3,000 cap on top-up fees for full-time undergraduate students in England. The Coalition presents a unified force against any further extension of the market in education, which we believe will act as a deterrent to students from poorer and already under-represented backgrounds.

The following principles form the basis of the Coalition’s alliance.

That we are:

1. United in opposition to the creation of markets in education
2. United in opposition to a variable tuition fee
3. United in opposition to the removal of the £3,000 cap

Coalition 2010 aims to keep the cap on top-up fees. The 2004 HE Act created a policy which will introduce a funding system that will allow institutions to charge up to £3,000 a year for any given undergraduate course for full-time home students. The majority of institutions have decided to charge the full fee for all courses. We believe this system, and any further lifting of the cap, will cause a further extension of the market in education that will leave the poorest most disadvantaged.

In 2008, the Government will begin a review process of the £3,000 cap. A decision on this will be made in 2009, and any change is likely to be implemented in 2010.

By uniting together as a collective campaigning body, Coalition 2010 will be a strong and effective lobbying force. We will be pressing the Government to keep the cap on fees by demonstrating our belief in a well-funded and well-resourced education sector that is accessible to all.

The coalition will be supported by research on the extension of the market in education and testimonials from potential and current students to provide an evidence base for the Government to consider in its review.