What's The True Value Of Education?

I grew up at a time when education was not just free- we got paid for it! It’s true. Not only did University students not have to pay for their education, the government gave us grants. We were means tested, everybody got something. Even the very rich got £50 a year.

So it is sad to see that education is becoming unaffordable for many. Yes, we have all heard the arguments, about how the poorest will not have to pay, about how nobody pays anything until they are earning, that  the new tuition fees system is fairer than the last one. But many people have made the point that it doesn’t matter how fair or equitable the system may appear on paper. It is the way that people perceive it which counts. And people perceive this system to be unfair. Students will leave higher education with a huge debt burden. It doesn’t matter whether or when they have to pay it back. What matters is the fact of the burden. It will put people off going to university.

But what is equally sad is the perception by many people that without higher education their job prospects will be ruined. A good education is an asset. And it does lead to a higher earning potential- about £3,000-4,000 per year on average. But a higher qualification is not an essential for many careers. There are many people who left school with no qualifications at all who have built very successful careers for themselves. And there are many graduates amongst the long term unemployed. Not having a higher education qualification is a disadvantage in the labour market. But it is by no means insuperable.

A progressive society needs well educated citizens. Education should be accessible to all. But don’t lets confuse education with employment prospects. Let’s keep the debate focused on the value of education in its own right- a tool for producing a better informed, culturally adept society. Not just as a way of getting a job.