The Sutton Trust welcomes the UPP Foundation’s inquiry and its timely call for a renewed national focus on widening participation in higher education. The report highlights concerning differences in teachers’ expectations when it comes to their student’s university attendance, with those teaching more deprived intakes less likely to expect their students to go on to higher education.

We are pleased to see the inquiry draw on Sutton Trust research on the cost-of-living crisis, highlighting how financial pressures are limiting students’ engagement with university life and increasing their reliance on part-time work. These realities disproportionately affect those from less advantaged backgrounds and risk undermining both student success and the social mobility mission of higher education.

UPP also highlight ongoing financial instability in the sector. Given the cost pressure facing universities, there is a real risk that access and participation efforts could be deprioritised, just when they are most needed.

The report acknowledges the vital role that organisations like the Sutton Trust have played over the past 25 years in shaping the access agenda. Our Fair Opportunity for All manifesto sets out clear priorities to widen access – including greater consistency in contextual admissions and additional financial support for students.

We look forward to working with universities, policymakers, and partners to ensure this inquiry is a springboard for lasting, systemic change in how opportunity is distributed across higher education.