Senior private university executives taking huge bonuses despite poor results data

Private universities in the UK have come under increasing fire due to the amount of money being paid to their most senior members.

Much criticism has been levelled at the pay gap between the individuals leading private institutions and those heading the elite public universities which educate most of the country’s graduates.

The largest private university in the UK, BPP University in London, is headed by a team of directors who hold positions at the university’s parent company, BPP Holdings, alongside their positions at the institution itself.

Graham Gaddes, CEO of the BPP investment group, is the director of 31 different companies registered at the business address of BPP Holdings

This is considered standard practice for businesses with multiple different departments and operations, like BPP, where senior executives run a great number of subsidiary and shell corporations alongside the university.

According to Companies House, Graham Gaddes, CEO of the BPP investment group, is the director of 31 different companies registered at the business address of BPP Holdings.

Vice-Chancellor Tim Stewart is also currently involved in active roles in six different companies operating under the BPP umbrella.

The high level of remuneration of BPP’s senior staff is markedly different to the financial outcome of many of the university’s students.

It was reported by the Office for Students that only around 30% of those who pay to attend BPP University actually graduate

While the university saw over 90% of its graduates enter into high skilled employment in the 2021/2022 academic year, according to data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, it was reported by the Office for Students that only around 30% of those who pay to attend BPP University actually graduate, leaving many with uncertain economic prospects.

In 2024, BPP University’s Vice-Chancellor received a salary of £495,561, with the directors together receiving £1,502,000 in 2024 just from BPP University Ltd. Further pay went to senior directors with roles in BPP Holdings Ltd.

Many have raised objections towards the lofty sums being paid to senior leaders of private universities like BPP University in light of the alleged educational disadvantage experienced by many of their students.