The average student debt this year is £13,252, with 62% of graduates leaving higher education with debts of more than £10,000 in 2006.

These are the findings of a recent NatWest survey into student debt, and interviews with sixth formers show that the problem looks set to become worse in the future.

“Sixth formers now expect to leave college in around three years’ time with debts of about £15,000,” said further education specialist Alison Lea. “This is up £1,099 from last year and shows how expensive a student’s life is becoming.”

She continued: “Certainly more needs to be done in educating students on handling their finances carefully, as this situation is probably worse than it needs to be.”