Ref. 28773-12TOP-UP FEES FEATURE: THE prospect of finishing university thousands of pounds in debt is making Sasha Vaughan think twice about doing a degree.

The 17-year-old Ridgeway School pupil from Wroughton has been accepted to study forensic science at six institutions including the University of the West of England, Plymouth University and Bournemouth University.

She will be the first from her family to go into higher education but the fear of debt may stop her.

She said: "I haven't decided what I am doing for definite yet.

"I applied to keep my options open but finances would be the main barrier for not going."

She thinks the variable fees would most affect people in her situation.

"I have been accepted on an analytical chemistry course and even though forensic science is what I want to do, I would go for the chemistry course if it was cheaper."

Under the current system Sasha has to pay around £1,100 upfront tuition fees but under the proposals, the top-up fees would affect her 15-year-old sister Rhian who is in Year 10 at St Joseph's School.

Their mum Bernadette said: "The system is already elitist. It is not a case of education for all but education for those who can afford it.

"We have five other children and combined income of £20,000 so I don't know how we'll get a £1,000 a year for the fees let alone any more money if they were higher.

"It is a big worry. She'll come out of university hocked up to the eyeballs up debt before she has even started her life."