Critics Question Seren Scheme's Focus on Top Achievers and Out-of-Wales Education

Calls for Rethinking the Seren Programme to Make Higher Education in Wales More Inclusive

The Seren scheme, widely recognised for supporting Welsh students in achieving their academic goals, is now under scrutiny for its potential impact on Wales' higher education system. As financial pressures on the sector intensify, critics question whether sending talented students—and the associated funding—to prestigious English universities hinders the growth of Welsh universities.

Kyle Greenland, 26, from Deri in Caerphilly, described his experience with the Seren scheme a decade ago as "invaluable." The Welsh government emphasised that Seren helps learners access top universities, including those in Wales. However, Dr. Ben Calvert, vice-chairman of Universities Wales, expressed concerns about the declining number of Welsh 18-year-olds applying to university compared to their English counterparts, estimating a shortfall of 4,500 students. He warned that if many of these students chose to study outside Wales, it could lead to significant funding losses for Welsh universities during a critical period.

Universities Wales has urged the Welsh government to consider raising the compulsory education age to 18, arguing that the current age of 16, compared to 18 in England, may not foster strong educational aspirations. Dr. Calvert also criticised the Seren programme for primarily targeting high-achieving students already likely to attend university, often directing them to Russell Group institutions in England. He advocated for a more inclusive approach to support students uncertain about university, highlighting the need to address the participation gap in higher education.

Mr. Greenland, one of the first Seren beneficiaries and the first in his family to attend university, credited the programme with giving him the confidence to pursue a biomedical science degree at a top university. Now pursuing a PhD at Imperial College London, he has also launched a tutoring and mentoring business to assist recent Seren students. He argued that encouraging students to study outside Wales is not inherently negative, as many return to contribute their skills. He emphasised that Seren’s core aim is to expose students to higher education, raise aspirations, and showcase opportunities both within and beyond Wales.

Meanwhile, sixth-form students at Ysgol Godre'r Berwyn in Bala, Gwynedd, are contemplating their futures. Nel, 18, acknowledged the importance of encouraging Welsh students to study in Wales but remains undecided about her university plans. Initially intending to stay in Wales, she is now reconsidering her options due to recent developments. Efan, 18, plans to pursue an apprenticeship instead of university, citing a preference for practical learning and concerns about student debt. Osian, 18, is undecided between an apprenticeship and university, planning to explore local opportunities after spending a few months in Australia.

Plaid Cymru's Cefin Campbell criticised the Seren scheme for encouraging top Welsh students to study outside Wales, calling for a reassessment of the higher education support system. Natasha Asghar, education spokeswoman for the Welsh Conservatives, supported the idea of enabling students to reach their potential, whether in Wales or elsewhere in the UK, based on individual choice. Dewi Knight, a former Welsh government adviser, argued that attracting more Welsh students to study locally would not alone resolve the financial challenges facing higher education. He suggested that universities need to better compete for local students and remain competitive across the UK. While supporting the idea of Welsh students studying locally or returning for postgraduate studies, he emphasized the importance of allowing students the freedom to make the best choices for themselves. Knight also highlighted Seren's pivotal role in helping students access top universities globally, noting its success in shifting the culture of underachievement in Wales.

In response, the Welsh government reiterated that Seren supports high-achieving learners from all backgrounds, helping them attend the best universities, including those in Wales. The government also stated it is exploring ways to increase participation in Seren and emphasised that students should have the right to choose where they study. Additionally, it highlighted that Wales offers the highest levels of non-repayable grants for those most in need. The Seren scheme has sparked a vital debate about balancing the aspirations of Welsh students with the development of Wales' higher education system, underscoring the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach.

Editor's Note:

The ongoing debate around the Seren scheme underscores the complexities of higher education in Wales. While the programme has undeniably supported many Welsh students in accessing top universities, particularly in England, its focus on the brightest students has sparked a broader conversation about educational equity. As the Welsh government seeks to expand opportunities for all learners, including those uncertain about university, the challenge remains: how can Wales balance academic ambition with ensuring that students' needs and aspirations are met, whether within Wales or beyond? As tuition fees and funding pressures continue to mount, the system must evolve to support not just the high achievers but all students who may benefit from post-secondary education or training opportunities.

According to Skoobuzz, while Seren’s role in raising aspirations is valuable, a more inclusive approach could better address Wales' educational needs and financial challenges in the long term.