Alex Proudfoot, Chief Executive of Independent Higher Education, responded to comments made by the Home Secretary at the Conservative Party Conference today, and in weekend media, about international students and their dependants:

“The UK’s education sector is an international success story and the global appeal of our universities, colleges and schools is rightly celebrated across the political spectrum. Education is a Great British export and a win-win-win for the whole country: international students inject billions into local and national economies; they enhance our soft power by spreading British values around the world; and they channel much-needed investment into our education system ensuring UK students can access the widest range of courses where they live.

“The Government has rightly set its sights on growing the economy as its number one priority. We can only achieve this by building on our strengths as a country, and education is a sector where we absolutely lead the world in offering diverse, flexible and modern provision of the highest quality and to standards recognised globally. International students have many countries they can choose from and we are fortunate so many choose the UK. Giving postgraduate students the option of bringing their partners and young children with them is essential to our reputation as a welcoming country, even though only a small number take up this opportunity.

“The UK’s International Education Strategy has already paid huge dividends thanks to the tireless work of Government Ministers, civil servants and our International Education Champion. The target of £35 billion in education exports is almost within reach. I am confident the Prime Minister and her Cabinet colleagues will not be distracted from this economic prize.”