Report plays down bursaries effect

Offering students bursaries to go to university has no impact on whether they will continue their studies, according to new research.

A report concluded that current evidence suggests the size or how available bursaries are has “no observable effect” on whether a young person stays at university.

The most significant factor in predicting whether a student will continue studying or drop out is their previous exam results, the study adds.

The research, published by the Office For Fair Access (OFFA), analysed data on young, full-time first degree students who were eligible for bursaries between 2006/07 and 2010/11 – before tuition fees were trebled to a maximum of £9,000 – and whether they were still studying the year after starting their studies.

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James Turner, director of programmes at the Sutton Trust said: “OFFA’s bursaries research reinforces the case for universities to use more of their access funds on outreach work through summer schools and partnerships with schools to raise aspirations and impact on subject choices.

“Our summer schools have a proven record in encouraging students to set their sights higher and make strong, well-informed decisions. More outreach work with school pupils in the early years of secondary school could also have a powerful impact on further narrowing the participation gap between those from advantaged and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.”

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