Record numbers seek UK university places

Record numbers of 18-year-olds have applied to British universities and youngsters from the poorest areas are more likely to seek places than ever, according to data suggesting that higher tuition fees have not dented demand.

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Vince Cable, the Lib Dem business secretary, was keen to point out that the higher fees had not been a barrier to entry.

“There were many who said that the reform of student finance would discourage young people from going to university,” he said. “The opposite has occurred; numbers have grown, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our reforms now also mean universities are well-funded for the future.”

However, Sir Peter Lampl, chair of the social mobility charity the Sutton Trust, said while the continuing growth in disadvantaged applicants was welcome, there was still a significant gap. He added that the rising gender gulf — women in England are now 36 per cent more likely to apply to university than men — was “particularly worrying for white working-class boys”.

Read the full article here (£)

The Sutton Trust was also quoted on this issue in the Telegraph, Guardian, TES and Times Higher online.