Let's do a Dearing every five years, says committee

A Dearing-style review of highereducation should take place every five to ten years, Sir Ron's committee is to propose.

A 30-year gap, the time betweenthe last major review by Robbins and the publication of Sir Ron's report next week, is too long to wait for the next strategic analysis, thecommittee believes.

An independent body, whose members might include some from Sir Ron's team, should be set up at least bythe year 2007 and possibly as early as 2002 to take another look at the sector.

The next review would focus on changes in the sector and the student population since Dearing, and on the progress and performance of Dearing committee proposals implemented by the Government.

It is expected higher education will move up the political agenda as students, who will be making bigger contributions, demand more for their money.