An unidentified lecturer has written an explosive account of their experience of teaching students under the new £9,000 tuition fees regime, provoking a fierce backlash from undergraduates.
Writing in Comment Is Free for the Guardian an "anonymous academic" argues that their "students have paid £9,000 and now they think they own me".
They wrote: "I find that as the year progresses, my students become increasingly reluctant to engage in any academic behaviour that does not impact directly on their assignment grade.
Students under the new fees regime "seem to think they are buying a degree, rather than working for it"
"That is, after all, what they are paying for. And so I am not regarded as an academic. I am not an expert in my field, a practitioner with 10 years’ worth of industry knowledge," they wrote, "I am a service provider."
Perhaps unsurprisingly many have read the lecturer's argument as implicitly blaming students for their reaction to increased tuition fees - and the resulting commoditization of university degrees.
Reaction has been fiercely negative towards the academic's viewpoint.
Others have highlighted their observation that increased tuition fees have instilled greater focus and work ethic into student life.
And fees may rise even higher after it was announced universities could decide how much they charge if they can prove they offer good-quality teaching.
England topped a list of fees, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), for the first time - beating even the US.
Last month's report was the first to analyse and compare data after the fee cap in England was inreased to £9,000 in 2012. The US had the second highest average fees at around £5,300 - although Ivy League universities still charge significantly more than institutions in the UK
See Also:
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(01 of68)
A police officer is hit by a smoke flare thrown by protesters outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during the annual demonstration against student fees in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(02 of68)
British police scuffle with a masked contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(03 of68)
British police scuffle with a masked contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(04 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters are wrestled to the ground by police as tensions flare at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(05 of68)
British police scuffle with a masked contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(06 of68)
British police scuffle with a masked contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(07 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters are wrestled to the ground by police as tensions flare at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(08 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters are wrestled to the ground by police as tensions flare at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(09 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters are wrestled to the ground by police as tensions flare at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(10 of68)
British police scuffle with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(11 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters are wrestled to the ground by police as tensions flare at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(12 of68)
British police scuffle with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(13 of68)
British police scuffle with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(14 of68)
British police scuffle with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(15 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters are wrestled to the ground by police as tensions flare at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(16 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters try to break police lines at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(17 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters try to break police lines at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(18 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters try to break police lines at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(19 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Police are pelted with missiles and smoke grenades at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(20 of68)
British police scuffle with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(21 of68)
British police scuffle with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(22 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters try to break police lines at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(23 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters try to break police lines at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(24 of68)
British police are seen through smoke from a smoke flare manning a cordon during scuffles with a contingent of the annual demonstration against student fees outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(25 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Protesters try to break police lines at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills during a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(26 of68)
The opposition Labour Party shadow chancellor John McDonnell (C) addresses a demonstration against student fees in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(27 of68)
Protesters hold placards as they demonstrate against student fees during an annual march in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(28 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell speaks at the beginning of a protest at the University of London on Malet Street on a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(29 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell speaks at the beginning of a protest at the University of London on Malet Street on a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(30 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell speaks at the beginning of a protest at the University of London on Malet Street on a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(31 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell speaks at the beginning of a protest at the University of London on Malet Street on a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(32 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell (R) speaks at the beginning of a protest at the University of London on Malet Street on a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(33 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell speaks at the beginning of a protest at the University of London on Malet Street on a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(34 of68)
Masked demonstrators hold a lit flare as they march against student fees in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(35 of68)
Masked demonstrators hold a lit flare as they march against student fees in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(36 of68)
Protesters march with placards and banners against student fees during an annual demonstration in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(37 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(38 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(39 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(40 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(41 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(42 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(43 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(44 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(45 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: A student arrives with a home made sign at the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(46 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students pick up placards and gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(47 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students pick up placards and gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(48 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students pick up placards and gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(49 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students pick up placards and gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(50 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students pick up placards and gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(51 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(52 of68)
Protesters hold placards as they demonstrate against student fees during an annual march in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-EDUCATION-DEMONSTRATION(53 of68)
Protesters chant slogans holding placards as they demonstrate against student fees during the annual march in central London on November 4, 2015. Students marched calling for free university education for all. Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998 and the maximum allowable charge was trebled by the previous coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron to up to 9,000 (12,000 euros, 13,000 USD) GBP per year. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(54 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Students Demonstrate In Favour Of Free Education(55 of68)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Students gather around the University of London on Malet Street to begin a demonstration against education cuts on November 4, 2015 in London, England. University students from across the country are marching on the streets of London to protest against cuts to free education. After a rally outside what was the University of London Union, the march will take in Parliament Square, Milibank - occupied by student protesters five years ago - and end in front of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (the department responsible for universities). (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
Tuition fees protest(56 of68)
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell speaks during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(57 of68)
A man is helped up by police during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Victoria, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(58 of68)
Students and police outside the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(59 of68)
Police stop students outside the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(60 of68)
A policeman falls over outside the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(61 of68)
Students outside the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(62 of68)
A policeman on the ground outside the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(63 of68)
Students outside the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(64 of68)
Students during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(65 of68)
Students during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(66 of68)
Students during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(67 of68)
Students during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt in Westminster, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Tuition fees protest(68 of68)
Students during a protest calling for the abolition of tuition fees and an end to student debt on Whitehall, London. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)