A report published this month by the Higher Education Commission was co-chaired by Dr Ruth Thompson (1971, History).

Too Good To Fail, published by the Higher Education Commission earlier this month, examines the current higher education funding model, focusing on a range of issues, from government return on investment, to the rise in student debt, to changing levels of university income.

The report was co-chaired by Dr Ruth Thompson and Lord Norton of Louth. Somerville students formed one of its three focus groups and Dr Steve Rayner, Senior Tutor, was thanked in the report’s Acknowledgments.

The report concludes that “the current system is not sustainable” and recommends a thorough review of current funding arrangements.

The report can be accessed on the Higher Education Commission website.

Further reading?

Three Somervillians Feature in Schwarzman Centre’s Inaugural Public Programme

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30 April 2026
Three Somervillians Feature in Schwarzman Centre’s Inaugural Public Programme

Professor Dale Dorsey (1976-2026)

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22 April 2026
Professor Dale Dorsey (1976-2026)

Mistletoe, Mythology, and Somerville’s Mistle Thrushes

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15 April 2026
Mistletoe, Mythology, and Somerville’s Mistle Thrushes