Student funding survey, 1989

This 1989 survey of students in schools and FE colleges was conducted by the National Union of Students to measure the likely effects on students' intentions regarding Higher Education of the introduction of student loans. One of the NUS researchers had previously attended the Survey Analysis Workshop course (post-grad, part-time, evening) offered by the Survey Research Unit (SRU) Polytechnic of North London. She approached John Hall (Course Tutor and SRU Director) about the feasibility of a survey to provide evidence for the NUS campaign against student loans. The NUS constructed a random sample of schools and FE colleges from their register: questionnaires were distributed to those agreeing to take part and were administered by the institutions themselves, some before the announcement, others afterwards. Advice on questionnaire design, and technical assistance with data processing and analysis were provided by John Hall. Data processing and analysis of the survey was done at the Polytechnic of North London. See: Aughterson K and Foley K "Opportunity Lost: a survey of the intentions and attitudes of young people as affected by the proposed system of student loans" National Union of Students, 1989.