TATTON MP Esther McVey is demanding answers from Government over what students should expect from university courses next year as thousands of pupils across Tatton face tough decisions on whether to go or defer their place.

Ms McVey said young people had a right to know what level of teaching they would receive before paying the £9,000 annual fees and whether they would get the full university experience.

She has pushed Universities Minister Michelle Donalan for answers amid concerns courses will be online-based with limited face-to-face contact.

Ms McVey said: “Coronavirus had to change the way education was taught this year and we accept that, but as we move to a more normal way of life and hope the worst is behind us, it is only right students know what they should expect going forward.

“I have been contacted by many young people across the area in recent weeks who are rightly concerned about what a university course would be like.

“I also know from speaking to current students that their experiences have been very varied, with some having lots of contact with lecturers and excellent online learning, and others feeling they have been let down.”

Ms McVey said not only were students expecting to start courses in September facing a dilemma but also students currently at university were thinking of deferring, and asked Government what help was being provided.

In a written response Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: “There is no need for students to defer entry unless they want to.

“For the next academic year, providers are planning for a blended approach, where teaching is delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face provision replicated online to support those who are unable to attend in person and to allow self-isolation as and when required as societal and personal circumstances change.”

Ms McVey also pushed for answers on how the quality of teaching given to current students was being monitored through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in England and how students could reclaim some of their fees if they believed standards had fallen short.

Ms McVey added: “Students feel let down and many believe the amount they have paid in tuition fees has not reflected the quality of learning.”

A twitter poll by Ms McVey found 80 per cent of people thought students should receive a partial refund and 15 per cent disagreed.