A report for Universities UK has warned that the government's plans to restore maintenance grants for the poorest students will not be enough to encourage working class students to enter higher education.

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, said: "This report provides clear evidence that debt aversion is deterring some students from entering higher education, particularly those from under-represented groups.

"Steps need to be taken by all those involved - government, higher education institutions, schools and colleges - to ensure that all those who can benefit from going to university are not deterred from doing so by the prospect of debt."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of PAT, told ePolitix.com: "PAT is very concerned about student debt and so, sadly, I am not surprised by these findings.

"Allowing universities to charge even higher tuition fees is bound to deter many - especially those from families on lower incomes. We do not want to see a two-tier system of higher education, with only the rich able to afford to go to those universities charging higher fees.

"The return of maintenance grant is welcome, but they will be only for the very poorest students. PAT would like to see a national maintenance allowance for all students in full-time tertiary education or training.

"This would be an investment in our young people and in the future of our country.

"As a teachers' union, PAT has long been concerned about the ability of young teachers to pay off student debts and we are worried that this is deterring many from becoming teachers.

"Most graduates faced with student debts, high house prices - and now deferred tuition fee payments as well - are likely to seek careers paying the highest salaries - which does not include teaching.

"When tuition fees were first introduced, we warned that they would deter students by burdening them with debt and making the start of their professional life very difficult. Sadly, it seems that we have been proved right.

"We hear of newly qualified teachers leaving teaching because they could not repay their loans and pay for accommodation on a teacher's salary - at a time when there is a recruitment crisis in the classroom.

"The wisdom of financing students through loans, leaving them massively in debt at the age of 21, is questionable. It seems that the prospect of debt is deterring many applicants from going to university, and this means that society loses out too.

"With student fees, large mortgages, dwindling pension returns and high living and transport costs, I am concerned that many young people will be swamped by what is becoming an in-debt society."