University admission rate falling for under-resourced students – Our response to the widening access gap

The university access gap is at its widest on record.

Today, figures released by the Department for Education show that the proportion of young people from under-resourced backgrounds going on to study at university has fallen for the first time on record.

In 2022-2023, just 29% of students eligible for free school meals at 15 progressed to university by the age of 19, down 0.2% on the previous year’s admissions. Meanwhile, private school students are at an enormous advantage when applying to selective universities, with 67.8% of pupils placing at Russell Group universities compared with just 34.2% of state school pupils.

This report indicates that social mobility in England is moving in reverse.

We are incredibly disappointed by these numbers. Under-resourced young people are facing significant barriers to education, and these barriers are continuing to worsen.

The lingering impact of the pandemic on schools and students is significant, with financial challenges and limited support demonstrating that it is the young people who are suffering consequently.

At The Access Project, we have been working to reduce the risks of equality to opportunity for over 16 years, working with schools and students who most need our support. The impact is clear – students we work with are 50% more likely to progress to top universities compared to statistically similar students. Our students and alumni share what a difference having this support throughout their final years at school makes a difference to them, not only in accessing top universities but in improving life outcomes.

But, as the access gap widens against the backdrop of rising poverty, school absenteeism and the cost of living crisis, we know there is more to do. We are not prepared to accept that this fall in numbers will become entrenched. 

We’re committed to supporting under-resourced young people to reach university and achieve social mobility. It is imperative that young people can see a future for themselves at university. Through our bespoke support programmes, we will equip young people with the skills they need to thrive, broker their aspirations to attend university, and prove they are worthy of investment.

The Access Project helps young people from under-resourced backgrounds 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.