Leader: Any reform must put the interests of students first

This week's academic asset exchanges on Humberside are only the latest sign that the landscape of British higher education is starting to alter after many years in which fundamental change has been contained within long-standing structures.

The acid test of such changes must be that they lead to better teaching and research in universities. Saving on management, property and overheads is worthwhile, but the goal must be to make academics more effective. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to making universities better research partners for industry and others. This contrasts sharply with the approach taken to students, who now pay more and run up big debts for the doubtful benefit of attending larger classes run by more heavily stressed teachers.

The next stage of university reform must put students centre stage. As we report, universities are already seeing signs of supply outpacing student demand. This puts at risk Labour's plans for 50 per cent participation.

Reasons for renewed expansion are many, not least the welcome economic effects of a more educated population with wider opportunities. But this, as our letter writers point out opposite, is not the whole story. Universities exist to expand minds, not just to fill them with employer-friendly facts. Expansion, broadening opportunity, is a project that recommends itself easily to new Labour. But rhetoric alone will not bring it about. It will cost money - especially for more staff, properly paid, and for financial support so that students for whom university is a big step face a manageable risk.