Gap in participation at higher-tariff universities narrows

12 March 2021

In response to the new data published by the OfS (11 March 2021) that highlights the gaps in access and outcomes experienced by groups of students underrepresented in higher education, Cat Turhan, Policy Analyst at the Russell Group, said:

“We are pleased to see the gap in participation at higher-tariff universities between students from the most and least represented neighbourhoods has narrowed in 2019-20. Russell Group universities are working hard to continue that progress through mentoring schemes, summer schools and campus visits, including online where necessary.

“However, it is not enough to just get disadvantaged students into university. Our members undertake a wide range of activity to ensure they can thrive in higher education, including transition to university support, one-to-one academic and pastoral care, and financial assistance.

“To build on this we hope to see a new cross-department Office for Tackling Inequality to join up work by government, universities, schools, local authorities and others to address disadvantage across the education system.”

Notes

• OfS data found the gap in participation at higher tariff universities narrowed to 19.2 percentage points between students from the most and least represented neighbourhoods in 2019-20, down from 19.5 percentage points in 2018-19.

• In 2019-20, 8.0 per cent of students entering higher-tariff institutions were from the least represented areas, up from 6.7 per cent in 2018-19.