Durham University are now advertising a tuition fee of £9,250 for the academic year of 2017/18. This is a change which affects prospective and students who will be at the University in that academic year, with the potential for further tuition fee increases in the future. Other universities are watching this petition, do not let Durham set a precedent which would become the norm.

This is being advertised without consultation, without communication and without any legal basis, as changes to the tuition fee system are yet to be passed through Parliament. This demonstrates contempt for the students they seek to serve, and we must do everything we can to ensure that no current or future student is ever dissuaded from attending Durham because of spiralling costs.

Durham is a wonderful city with lots to enjoy, and a world-class university - let's make sure anyone who can come here is able to make the most of it.