Voluntary student-loan repayments rise, but Lewis warns overpaying isn’t wise for most

BBC analysis shows voluntary repayments on Plan 2 student loans in England rose from £141.7m to £491.1m between 2017 and 2025 as graduates try to clear debt. Martin Lewis warns that only higher earners typically benefit from extra payments and most borrowers shouldn’t panic into overpaying, since small extra sums rarely shorten the 30-year term. The trend is driven by high earners and family considerations, while policy moves like freezing the repayment threshold complicate incentives. The Student Loans Company does not publish individual breakdowns, and campaigns call for reform to the loan system.