ABSTRACT
The Dearing Report, like Robbins, is unequivocal about the role of higher education as a national asset. What is more, it attempts to justify rather than merely assert this claim. While recommending continuation of the historical pattern of independence from supervision and direction of the state (and hence also of ‘academic freedom’ in the best sense of that term), the Report also recognizes the essential ‘fit’ between higher and further education and the compulsory phase, and tries to be sensitive to the particular requirements of the ‘territories’ (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Finally, there is a strong suggestion that the nation should not be made to wait another 30 years before it receives expert advice on the legitimate expectations from a relevant system of higher education.
