My eldest son reminds me - rather haughtily - that it's actually irrelevant what other students get, it's just my grade that matters. This is apparently what I've been telling the boys for years. I attempt an explanation then give up. I know he's right.

This had not been the plan. The initial idea had been to further my knowledge in film, perhaps through a gentle foundation course. Not a part-time MA in World Cinema. How difficult could studying really be? Extremely, is the short answer.

I've always had a passion and a drive to empower under-represented groups within the student movement. The fact that giving this opportunity is being given to NUS candidates I think is an excellent idea in and of itself, demonstrating the power of the student voice - this must be harnassed and fostered as much as possible for the years to come, particularly in a climate within which these groups are at risk of further marginalisation.

Mature students at a university have launched a campaign after deeming a bus company "ageist" for saying they are too old for a discounted bus pass. ...

Would you take on a £27,000 debt for a university education, even with the assurance that you would not pay anything back until you earned over £21,000? Even a more affluent middle-aged person, with children and a mortgage, might take fright at the thought of such a loan.