Russell Group response to the Student Futures Commission final report

14 February 2022

In response to the final report of the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission published today (14 February 2022), Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

“A high-quality education is just one part of a successful university experience and our universities work hard to support students in all kinds of ways throughout their studies – from helping them settle in from day one to providing careers guidance – so they have a positive experience and can succeed in whatever path they choose.

“The impact of that work can be seen in the high levels of continuation rates, progression into skilled careers and future earnings for students at Russell Group universities. Every part of society has felt the effects of the pandemic, including students, and universities are responding to that challenge, finding new ways to support them so we welcome this work by the Student Futures Commission and will consider its findings carefully.”

Further information

• 80% of the 2018/19 cohort of students graduating from Russell Group universities were in highly skilled employment 18 months after graduation compared to 67% of those graduating from other UK universities.
• In total, 89% of the most under-represented students (those from POLAR Q1 areas) achieve a first or upper second-class degree at Russell Group universities. Although there is a gap in degree attainment between the most and least under-represented students, this has closed from seven percentage points in 2016/17 to five percentage points in 2019/20, and our universities have set targets to eradicate this gap over time.
• In August 2021 the Russell Group and The Open University launched Jumpstart University, which provides a range of online materials to help students to prepare for and settle into their studies at university. It is open to all students – whichever university or college they’re enrolling at – as well as those supporting them such as parents, teachers, carers, or advisers.
• Further information on support for students starting at Russell Group universities this academic year can be found here.