King Alfred's College rethinks university aim

The new principal of King Alfred's College in Winchester has dropped plans for the college to become a university by 2006.

Paul Light believes the target date set by his predecessor, John Dickinson, is too ambitious. Professor Light, who took up his position at the college on Wednesday, said: "It is not realistic to have a university title by 2006. The government's view is that there are too many (universities).

Professor Light said his priority was achieving degree-awarding powers that would allow King Alfred's to call itself university college. The earliest that full status could be achieved is in five more years.