Fall in state-school university entrants since tuition fees hit £9,000

The government is facing calls for an urgent review of student financing after official figures showed that the number of state school pupils going on to higher education had dropped the year tuition fees soared to £9,000.

A report by the Department for Education showed that the percentage of state-educated pupils going on to universities and colleges in 2013/14 fell to 62%, from 66% in the previous year.

Among those calling for a root and branch review to widen access were the shadow education secretary, Angela Rayner, the National Union of Students and a body representing teachers and lecturers.

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Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust and of the Education Endowment Foundation, said the figures were concerning, adding: “The reality is the cost of going to university in England has become so expensive that it may now be a deterrent for many young people from non-privileged homes.”

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