Dead on arrival

Today, higher education bodies expect to be briefed on the contents of the Augar review.

Lurking in the shadow of Westminster Abbey is the north entrance to Great Smith Street, home to the Department for Education. If Playbook were in the business of traffic updates, we would be recommending you avoid it today, since it is likely to be rather busy.

Throughout the course of the day, universities, mission groups and other higher education bodies will be traipsing through its doors to be briefed on the contents of Philip Augar’s long-awaited review of post-18 education funding. According to one source close to the DfE, Universities UK will be first to arrive at about 10am, with the various mission groups and the National Union of Students reportedly coming and going until until early evening. It is not known whether the attendees will be furnished with the report in full, or simply provided with some highlights—and we understand that her majesty’s loyal opposition is not among those expected to be briefed.