‘Shocking’ class divide in access to universities is worst in the UK

Lindsay McIntosh covered Access in Scotland in the Scottish editions of The Times

The “shocking” class divide in access to Scotland’s universities has been revealed by a new report that shows abolishing tuition fees has done nothing to close the gap.

The detailed research shows that Scottish 18-year-olds from the most well-off areas are still four times more likely to go straight to university than those from the most deprived areas. The figure is the worst in the UK.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, which published the report, said it showed a “shocking access gap” and laid bare the extent of the challenge for everyone in Scotland, including the first minister, universities, schools and communities.

Nicola Sturgeon has made closing Scotland’s attainment gap, which exists right through the education system, the key aim of her premiership. The report, written by academics at the University of Edinburgh, shows the scale of the task she faces and outlines a number of policy levers at her disposal.

Read her full report here (£)