News Desk

Leading London University Imperial College is demanding the "freedom to charge students considerably more than allowed by ministers" it was revealed by the FT arguing that the world class institution requires "independence" from central government.

Sir Roy Anderson the Rector at Imperial is also demanding to set a quota on the number of students taking particular subjects.

Speaking to the FT Sir Roy Anderson underlined his concerns at the state of public funding and said:

"Just get real about it".

Imperial should be able to decide its own "student makeup" to deal with the tough economic conditions with Sir Roy looking at charging students £10,000 - £12,000 a year as opposed to the £3,145 cap of fees now.

The FT has quoted government sources that find it "difficult to believe that the top universities could do without the millions they receive on both teaching and research from the government.  It is this financial commitment that is helping to maintain out world-class status."

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