Access in Scotland, the Sutton Trust’s latest piece of research, has found that young nationals from poor areas are four times less likely to go to university than those from wealthy backgrounds.
Divide
Scotland has the largest university access gap when compared to other UK countries.
In England, those from the poorest areas are 2.4 times less likely to attend university compared to those from wealthy areas. In Wales and Northern Ireland they are three times less likely to do so.
Sir Peter Lampl and the Trust are calling for the government to appoint a new independent commissioner for fair access to tackle the problem.
“Scotland faces a shocking access gap and it is vital that the Government appoints a strong independent commissioner without delay.
“There is good practice in Scottish universities on access, but we need a really strong push if talent is not to be wasted.”
Higher education
Interestingly, the social mobility charity’s report found that Scots are more likely to enter higher education compared to their English counterparts, however they are more likely to attend college first prior to university.
In 2013 / 14, 55% of Scots entered higher education by the age of 30, with 34% going from school and 20% from college. Although in England only 46% entered higher education, only 6% started in colleges or other non-university providers.
Professor Sheila Riddell, one of the authors of the report, said the findings showed an “over-reliance on the Scottish college sector to increase participation rates overall” and the failure of Scottish university places to keep up with increasing demand.
“Despite free tuition, the Scottish university sector has much work to do in order to realise the goal of fair access.”
Capping
Scotland’s strict policy on capping university places has amplified its access problem according to Universities Scotland.
“What is clear from the Sutton Trust’s analysis is that England’s policy of uncapped places has made it easier to get into university and this has helped access.
“Scotland’s strict cap on places has made it much harder for Scottish students to get into Scottish universities. This is having clear knock-ons in terms of entry requirements and access.”
Report
Please read the Sutton Trust’s latest report on access in Scotland: http://www.suttontrust.com/researcharchive/access-in-scotland/
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