University tuition fees in England to rise with inflation every year from 2026

The UK government has announced that university tuition fees in England will rise in line with inflation every year from 2026 onward. The current fees of £9,250 per year will remain unchanged for the next two years, but will then be subject to automatic annual increases. This decision was confirmed by Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary. The move aims to ensure that university funding keeps pace with rising costs, but has been criticized by student groups who argue that it will further burden young people with debt. The government maintains that the changes will provide stability and predictability for the higher education sector, but there are concerns that the increases could price some students out of accessing higher education, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The announcement has sparked debate about the long-term affordability and accessibility of university education in England, and the impact it may have on social mobility and the country's future workforce.