APPRENTICESHIPS are a good alternative to going to university.

That was the message from The Mail readers after the Government said it would be increasing university tuition fees by more than £250 next year.

The rise from £9,250 per year to £9,535 is the first increase in tuition fees in England for eight years.

The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said it had “not been an easy decision” and that the decision had been made to help universities facing “severe financial challenges.”

READ MORE: University tuition fees to rise to £9,535 in England next year

In a statement to the Commons on Monday, Ms Phillipson also announced that maintenance loans for university students in England will rise next year, which the Government said will provide students with £414 extra per year.

The government say the fees are increasing in line with inflation, by 3.1 per cent, and that the changes will come into effect from the 2025/26 academic year.

READ MORE: Why are tuition fees in England going to rise?

Here’s how you reacted to the news:

Nigel Hodkinson said: “A good option is to work and study part time. That's the route I used with the Open University to obtain a Maths Degree and a further one in Electrical Engineering.

“As a manager, I found that graduates who had gone this route also had good time management skills due to often juggling work, studying and family life.”

Briony Boylan commented: “It’s cheap compared to other countries.”

Gary Gasman said: “Universities could lower costs by using modern technology. Remote learning, online teaching etc.”

Kat Saskia Parry replied: “Can’t believe Labour are screwing us over worse than the Tories. Shocking for a party that is meant to pride itself on the working class.”

Linda McAllister said: “How are we supposed to recruit more nurses when they start their careers with huge debts like this?”

Karen Bell said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn and may be a more appetising alternative now as long as the support to the private sector business incentives doesn’t drop off.”

Sylvia Stoker commented: “Young people should consider being an apprentice to a trades person or going to a college for trade.

"There’s a great shortage of builders, plumbers, electricians etc and they command big prices for their work.”