Press Release - Widening participation in higher
education
25 June 2008
Some progress is being made in encouraging under-represented
groups to continue into higher education, the National Audit Office
has today reported to Parliament. But particular sections of
society remain significantly under-represented and too little is
known about the link between measures taken by institutions and any
improvements in access.
The attainment of qualifications at secondary school is the
principal reason for the difference in participation rates but
social class remains a strong determinant of higher education
participation. Women are better represented than men and those from
non-white ethnic groups are better represented than white people.
The National Audit Office has found that white people from lower
socio-economic groups are the most under-represented group in
higher education institutions.
There are also significant variations between academic institutions
in how good they are at widening participation. In 2006-07, one
sixth of institutions made less progress than expected in
recruiting students from areas with low participation. Those that
became universities post-1992 generally do better than the Russell
Group universities.
Incomplete data on student background hinders accurate assessment
of which groups are under-represented. There is insufficient
information about the full range of activities aimed at widening
participation, making it difficult to identify which activities are
most effective.
Higher education is not always provided in ways that make it
accessible to individuals from under-represented groups. Some
students and potential students have limited understanding of the
different types of financial support available to them. The
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills should lead
efforts to create a comprehensive and accessible source of
information to support potential applicants from under-represented
groups.
Tim Burr, head of the National Audit Office, said
today:
“Not enough is known about the extent to which disadvantaged groups
are under-represented in higher education, or what measures to
widen participation are most effective. The Department and the
Funding Council need to secure better data on participation, for
example by social class or disability. They could tailor provision
more closely to people’s circumstances, such as where they live and
when they can study.”
Notes for Editors
- Press notices and reports are available from the date of
publication on the NAO website, which is at http://www.nao.org.uk/. Hard copies
can be obtained from The Stationery Office on 0845 702 3474.
- The Comptroller and Auditor General, Tim Burr, is the head of
the National Audit Office which employs some 850 staff. He and the
NAO are totally independent of Government. He certifies the
accounts of all Government departments and a wide range of other
public sector bodies; and he has statutory authority to report to
Parliament on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which
departments and other bodies have used their resources.
Press Notice 29/07
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