UCAS End of Cycle report 2017
14 December 2017
Commenting on the findings in the 2017 UCAS Undergraduate End of Cycle Report published today (14 December 2017), Russell Group Head of Policy, Sarah Stevens, said:
“We welcome the fact that a record proportion of young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieved a higher education place this year. We know that the opportunity to study at university is key to improving social mobility.
“When it comes to offers made by selective universities like those in the Russell Group, it’s encouraging to see the gap between the most and least disadvantaged students has narrowed this year. Indeed, this year has seen the largest recorded increase in the entry rate to these high A-Level tariff universities from students living in the most deprived areas of the country.
“Our members are absolutely committed to ensuring students with the potential and determination to succeed at a leading university have the chance to do so, whatever their background or circumstances. They have made real progress in recent years but recognise there is more work to do. That’s why in 2017/18 the 20 Russell Group universities in England will invest £254 million in scholarships, fee waivers, bursaries and outreach activities aimed at the most disadvantaged. Additional investments will also be made across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“Once they get to university, Russell Group institutions provide disadvantaged students with a combination of academic, pastoral and financial support to help them to flourish.”
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