UUK response to new OfS data on access and outcomes for groups of students in HE

Responding to new data published today by the Office for Students detailing the gaps in access and outcomes experienced by groups of students underrepresented in higher education.

Universities UK said: “Universities are committed to widening access to higher education and ensuring students from all backgrounds can succeed.

“Despite the wider societal inequalities exposed by the pandemic, it is encouraging to see that universities are continuing to make progress in narrowing gaps in opportunity. However, universities recognise there is still a long way to go in ensuring there is equality of opportunity across higher education for students of all backgrounds.

“Universities continue to invest heavily in their work to widen access to higher education and ensure equality of opportunity for all students, and in England are required to set out their plans for doing so.

“UUK’s work to address the degree awarding gap between students of different ethnicities is ongoing and we have set out a number of recommendations to address this inequality. UUK is also speaking with government about how they can best work with universities to support this year’s graduates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as they enter a challenging labour market.”