Students and staff protest at Bath University over senior pay

The protest went on despite Bath University's Vice Chancellor announcing that she would step down next year. Credit: ITV West Country

Staff and students have staged a demonstration against Britain's highest-paid Vice Chancellor, despite her announcing she will step down from the role next year.

The University of Bath's Vice Chancellor, Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, earned more than £400,000 a year.

The rally was organised by the group Bath Students Against Fees and Cuts.

The University funding watchdog said it was looking into a complaint made against her.

In an interview with ITV News, Dame Breakwell said it would be possible for someone to do the role for £150,000 but questioned whether they would do a "really good job".

Dame Breakwell said there was still a great deal of confidence in her leadership and her salary was simply a reflection of her experience and the results she was delivering.

She claimed that she announced her leaving date in order to give the university time to find the right successor.

Students at the University of Bath protest at the retirement terms of vice chancellor Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell Credit: PA

A university council meeting today, 30 November, follows on from the report by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) into senior pay and governance at the university published on 20 November.

The meeting was set to take place at 4pm in the Wessex House Council Chamber.

The council is the governing body of the university with responsibility for the institution's finances and the conduct of the university's affairs.