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UK Mulls English GCSE Loan Rule, Risks £200 million Cuts

6/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UK government is considering a rule that a GCSE English pass be required for student loans in England.
Critics warn the rule could deny loans to over 30,000 domestic students lacking GCSEs, many disadvantaged, and could cut university income by over £200 million a year.
The Department for Education also plans a £100 million cut to the strategic priorities teaching grant, tightening funding for low-attainment universities.

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Story summary

UK government is considering a rule that a GCSE English pass be required for student loans in England.
Critics warn the rule could deny loans to over 30,000 domestic students lacking GCSEs, many disadvantaged, and could cut university income by over £200 million a year.
The Department for Education also plans a £100 million cut to the strategic priorities teaching grant, tightening funding for low-attainment universities.