DAMNING REPORT CALLS FOR RADICAL OVERHAUL OF WELSH HIGHER EDUCATION

A BOMBSHELL new report has branded Wales’ university sector as bloated, inefficient, and no longer fit for purpose—accusing it of churning out debt-ridden graduates with degrees that fail to match the needs of the modern economy.

The report, titled The University Industrial Complex and published by the Prydain Centre on Thursday (Apr 10), claims that the eight universities currently operating across Wales have evolved into “credential conveyor belts,” more concerned with racking up tuition fees than providing meaningful education.

In a searing analysis of the state of higher education, the authors argue that mass participation has eroded academic standards, with many students paying tens of thousands of pounds for degrees that leave them underemployed—or unemployed.

The key figures

According to the report, there are over 135,000 students enrolled in Welsh universities—despite Wales having a population of just 3.1 million. The average student debt upon graduation now exceeds £37,000, and one in three graduates finds themselves in non-graduate jobs five to ten years after leaving university.

“This isn’t education—it’s exploitation,” said lead author Chris Harries. “We’ve created a generation weighed down by debt, false promises, and qualifications that offer little in terms of real-world value.”

The paper argues that universities have become “visa mills” reliant on overseas student fees, while whole departments and even campuses are being shuttered due to financial pressures.

A new vision for Welsh higher education

The Prydain Centre proposes a sweeping set of reforms that would see the current eight universities reduced to just three elite institutions—each with a clear and distinct focus:

• Cardiff: a global leader in academic research, STEM and humanities.
• Swansea: a centre for applied sciences and industrial collaboration.
• Aberystwyth and Bangor: hubs for Welsh culture, environmental science and rural leadership.

Student numbers would be halved to around 65,000, with raised entry requirements and targeted support for disciplines linked to national priorities such as engineering, healthcare and technology.

Instead of encouraging mass enrolment, the report champions a shift toward merit-based admission and the reintroduction of rigorous academic standards.

From degrees to digital

In perhaps its boldest proposal, the report calls for the launch of a “Digital Knowledge Hub”—a free or low-cost online platform offering lectures, short courses and learning forums.

Built in partnership with leading universities and ed-tech firms, the hub would be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, enabling lifelong learning without incurring debt.

“Education must be about knowledge, not credentials,” said Harries. “This is not nostalgia for an elitist past. It’s a practical leap toward a fairer, smarter system.”

The case for consolidation

The Prydain Centre argues that maintaining eight institutions spreads resources too thinly and dilutes academic quality. By consolidating funding, the three remaining institutions could become internationally respected centres of excellence.

The estimated £500–600 million annual higher education budget would be more effectively used, the report claims, by reducing duplication and investing in talent, research, and student support.

It also acknowledges that the transition would require careful planning, with phased closures and support for affected staff and students, including relocation options and course transfers.

Calls for Government action

The report urges the Welsh Government to pilot the Digital Knowledge Hub as a first step toward system-wide reform. Ministers are being asked to consider a roadmap for consolidation and entry reform over the next five years.

“Wales has a choice,” the report concludes. “Maintain the failed status quo—or build a higher education system that commands global respect.”

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has launched a public consultation on its School Transport Policy, inviting residents to share their views as part of a wider review into the future of school transport provision.

The local authority currently provides daily transport to school or college for more than 4,500 eligible learners, at an annual cost of over £8 million.

While no specific changes are being proposed at this stage, the Council says public feedback will help shape future policy. Any changes arising from the review would need to be both deliverable and affordable, taking into account ongoing driver shortages and the wider financial pressures faced by the authority.

Should any amendments be made to the policy, they would come into effect from September 2026.

Residents have until Sunday, May 18, 2025, to complete the survey, which can be accessed online at:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/school-transport-policy-consultation

Paper copies are also available by calling the Council’s Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or by emailing: school.transport@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

A PEMBROKESHIRE council application to demolish a disused school to make way for a potential housing development has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Asbri Planning, sought approval to demolish the former Hakin Infants School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.

Works proposed also include the construction of a bat house and ecological enhancement area.

A supporting statement said: “The former school buildings are boarded up, whereas the gardens and play areas have become overgrown. This is one of three schools to close in the last decade within the local area, alongside Hubberston VC School and Hakin Junior School, which have already been demolished.

“This application forms part of a wider strategy for the site. An outline application for residential development will be submitted in order to confirm the development in principle in land use terms is acceptable. A reserved matters application would follow on from outline approval in order to confirm the details of the actual development to be built.”

It also sought permission for a bat box as a bat survey report “revealed that the building acts as a bat roost for low numbers of brown long-eared bats, greater horseshoe bats and lesser horseshoe bats.”

It finished: “The proposed work seeks to demolish and remove the former school buildings and surrounding hard standing within the eastern half of the site. The playing fields and vegetation located to the west of the site will remain unaffected by the demolition works and would therefore remain intact.”

The application was conditionally approved.