Kemi Badenoch on Education
TL;DR
Kemi Badenoch strongly advocates for shutting down low-quality university courses due to poor graduate outcomes and taxpayer cost.
Key Points
Pledged to introduce controls on student numbers for university courses leading to poor graduate outcomes if elected. (2025)
Criticised the opposition’s schools bill as a detrimental reversal of reforms that have improved England's PISA test rankings. (2025-03)
During a 2019 debate, she cited an additional £700 million in high-needs funding for special educational needs and disabilities as part of a larger spending commitment.
Summary
Kemi Badenoch has taken a firm stance against what she terms “rip-off” university courses, arguing that nearly one in three graduates see no economic return, leading to a £7 billion annual write-off of unpaid student loans for the taxpayer. Her core policy position, outlined ahead of a general election, is to introduce controls on student numbers in specific subject groups that consistently result in low graduate earnings or limited career prospects. The funding saved from closing these lower-value courses would be redirected towards an “apprenticeship revolution” and investment in high-quality courses at research-intensive British universities.
This focus reflects a broader critique of a system she views as rigged, prioritizing university places over vocational training. She contrasts this with her own experience, highlighting the value of an apprenticeship she completed before her two university degrees. Furthermore, she has also been a vocal critic of the opposition’s proposed schools legislation, arguing it reverses successful reforms built on cross-party agreement, leading to a less innovative, more rigid, one-size-fits-all system that has seen England's educational attainment rise significantly in PISA tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kemi Badenoch's position is strongly negative towards university degrees that she classifies as 'rip-off' due to leading to poor graduate outcomes and significant student debt. She plans to introduce controls to limit student numbers on these specific low-value courses. The funding saved would then be reallocated to support apprenticeships and high-quality university education.
Yes, Kemi Badenoch has frequently voiced support for apprenticeships, citing her own positive experience before university. She contrasts this vocational path with the debt incurred by some university students. Her policy focus includes doubling the apprenticeship budget while simultaneously cutting funding for underperforming degrees.
Kemi Badenoch has expressed strong opposition to legislative changes proposed by the opposition, labelling them as 'educational vandalism.' She argues that the current system, which she credits for significant improvements in England's performance in international education tests, should be protected from ideological reversals. She advocates for maintaining the freedoms of academies.