AN OXFORD headteacher has joined others nationally to criticise a "hugely disappointing" rise in university tuition fees.

A joint letter to The Sunday Times yesterday, signed by St Edward's School warden Stephen Jones, said increases should be linked to "detailed planned improvements" to teaching standards.

The letter criticised universities such as Durham, Kent and Exeter, suggesting their hikes were "likely to feel like mis-selling to those [students] already in place and money-grabbing to future applicants".

Their comments come as the Higher Education and Research Bill is making its way through Parliament.

It includes wide-ranging reforms, including the introduction of a 'teaching excellence framework', which will allow institutions with the best teaching to increase tuition fees even more.

This would be above the rise already approved by ministers earlier this year, from £9,000 a year to £9,250.

But the letter from headteachers said: "It is hugely disappointing many pupils are now facing unexpected university fee rises.

"While much teaching and student care in universities is excellent, too much is not, and the best universities should be setting an example in detailing planned improvements rather than raising fees.

"We will advise our pupils to think clearly about their options and ask hard questions about how universities will link fee rises to clear improvements.

It’s true that our schools charge fees — which have risen considerably — but we live and die by teaching quality and performance in external exams, and — crucially — there is a free state-funded alternative."