University applications ‘depends heavily on where you live’

Teenagers’ likelihood of applying to university depends heavily on where they live, according to new figures.

The study, by the Press Association (PA) news agency, showed London had the highest application rate of 47%, while the South West had the lowest at 32%.

It found four times as many teenagers in Wimbledon, south London, applied compared with Havant in Hampshire.

Universities UK acknowledged institutions should do more to boost social mobility within their regions.

Sir Peter Lampl…..of the Sutton Trust education charity, said the “massive difference… reflects the fact that the chances of getting to university are very much dependent on where you live and where you go to school”.

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Sir Peter said work by charities like the Sutton Trust, running summer schools and providing extra support for able pupils in poorer areas, was crucial.

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