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15 Apr 2010 16:15:29
University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE has welcomed the latest figures showing an increase in the percentage of UK students at university from state schools and low-participation neighbourhoods.
The figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveal that 88.5 per cent of young entrants to full-time first degree courses in 2008/09 attended state schools (88 per cent 2007/08). The overall percentage of young entrants to full-time first degree courses from low participation neighbourhoods was 10.1 per cent in 2008/09 (9.7 per cent 2007/08).
Speaking as chair of the university think tank million+, Professor Ebdon, said: “These figures confirm the clear link between an expansion of funded places and widening participation. The last decade has seen record numbers of students funded to study at university. Modern universities like the University of Bedfordshire have played a critical role in delivering the social mobility which has accompanied this expansion. These universities consistently teach and support three or four times more students from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to other institutions.
“The recent application figures confirm that there are likely to be more students than funded places in 2010. As always the biggest risk, if there are not enough places, is to applicants from widening participation backgrounds who may not get the highest grades but who stand to benefit most from studying at university.
“These figures are a timely reminder to political parties that social mobility is not achieved by chance, but has to be backed by investment and the commitment of universities which are prepared to take risks to ensure that everyone who is qualified has the opportunity to access higher education.”
Latest news» 2010» April» Vice Chancellor welcomes increased opportunities for disadvantaged students
