ASCL comment on university applications

Commenting on analysis of undergraduate applications published by UCAS, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are delighted that the proportion of 18-year-olds in England applying for university places has increased, and in particular that the number from the most deprived areas has risen. 

“Schools and colleges deserve a great deal of credit for their work in encouraging students who often face the greatest challenges to believe in themselves and in supporting them to achieve their goals. But education is seriously underfunded, and we need to be mindful that there is still a long way to go to close the gap between rich and poor in our country.

“The government must invest more in education and in social and economic policies which restore hope to deprived communities.”