A year between school and higher education

The idea that there should be a break between school and higher education has been increasing in popularity. Between 1965 and 1973 a series of studies, surveys, and reports indicated strong support for such a break. Many students spoke vehemently in its favour; other students regretted that they had not delayed their entry into higher education; and admission officers at universities and colleges often preached the benefits of some form of “experience” prior to the commencement of an academic course. The 1972 White Paper A Framework for Expansion endorsed the idea as enabling the student to gain more experience of the world and use his higher education to better purpose.