“These figures are further worrying evidence of the substantial access gaps that still exist at our universities, especially at our top universities. It is vital to improve access if we are to improve social mobility. Schools, colleges and universities all have a crucial role to play. And it is particularly important that we retain a strong access regulator, accountable to MPs, and get better evidence to ensure that outreach funds are well spent.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

  1. The Sutton Trust is a foundation set up in 1997, dedicated to improving social mobility through education. It has published over 180 research studies and funded and evaluated programmes that have helped hundreds of thousands of young people of all ages, from early years through to access to the professions.
  2. A summary of the data can be found here: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/performance-indicators/widening-participation-summary