Third of university students come from the wealthiest backgrounds

Latest data from HESA shows that a third of British university students now come from the wealthiest backgrounds, suggesting a backwards step for social mobility.   

31% of undergraduates now come from the highest socio‑economic group, up from 25% in 2021/22.  

Despite widening participation initiatives, of most concern is the sharp drop in the intake of students with parents working in semi-routine jobs, falling from 13% to 9% in 2024/25.  

Anna Searle, CEO of The Access Project, says, 

“These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger, sustained investment in widening participation, greater changes to the maintenance grants system, and targeted academic support to ensure talented students from under-resourced backgrounds are not left behind. 

In addition, the lingering effects of the pandemic – disproportionately affecting these households – and economic pressures on low-income families, cannot be ignored. 

Throughout the last 18 years, The Access Project has worked to break down educational barriers for high potential students in areas of high deprivation. The university access gap may be increasing nationwide but there is no access gap for students on our programmes. 

We remain committed to supporting the young people on our programmes to access top universities, and to widen our reach so that we can help more students to achieve social mobility.”  

The Access Project helps young people from under-resourced backgrounds to achieve their academic potential and place at top universities. By donating to our programme or volunteering with us, you’re helping the country’s most under-resourced young people find their way to a brighter future.