More state school pupils enter Russell Group universities

01 February 2018

Commenting on new figures, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, showing an overall increase in the proportion of state school entrants to Russell Group universities, Russell Group Head of Policy, Sarah Stevens, said:

“Nearly 8 out of 10 young people entering one of our 24 member universities to study for a full-time first degree now come from a state school background. In England, the overall proportion of state school entrants to Russell Group universities has increased far more quickly over the past few years than for the rest of the sector (+4.3 percentage points since 2010 compared to +1.8 percentage points for all English universities).

“The proportion of entrants from low participation neighbourhoods also continues to show a steady improvement.

“These figures show we are making real progress, as the Secretary of State has acknowledged. It’s clear that the great efforts our members are making to widen access for those with the potential to progress to an academically selective university are starting to pay off. However, we recognise that challenges remain which is why our universities are working with around 8,000 state schools across the country and investing significant sums in mentoring schemes, homework clubs, summer schools and other practical initiatives to help support attainment-raising and encourage even more successful applications.”

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