SMC 'state of the nation' report

28 November 2017

Responding to the Social Mobility Commission’s ‘State of the Nation’ report, Sarah Stevens, Head of Policy at the Russell Group, said:

“The report rightly highlights that many children and young people are living in circumstances where their aspirations for the future could be restricted by their social situation or the area in which they live.

“We know that widening access to a university education is key to unlocking social mobility. That is why Russell Group universities are investing a significant amount of effort and money in providing outreach activities through schools to raise aspirations and encourage children from disadvantaged background into higher education.

“Our members have also created Advancing Access, a series of free online resources available to all teachers across the country. These resources recognise the key role teachers play in supporting students to progress to university, and provide information and advice on course choice and the application process so they can feel confident in advising students of their options.

“We want all children to have the opportunity to create a better life for themselves.”