Working Class Students: University Access And Affordability

The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly common in recent decades, with a growing proportion of individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and knowledge through university studies. In 2022, 37.5% of 18-year-olds in England entered full-time higher education courses, the second-highest level on record. However, the number fell to 35.8% in 2023. This article will explore the number of working-class students attending university, focusing on the UK context. It will examine the trends, disparities, and efforts to improve access for underrepresented groups.

White working-class boys are the least likely demographic to attend university

In England, white working-class boys are the least likely demographic to attend university. Research from 2010 and 2011 revealed that white working-class boys were the least likely group to attend university, and while there is no agreed-upon definition of "working class", this trend has only worsened since the increase in tuition fees.

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), about 33% of white British school students enrolled in university in the academic years 2010/11 and 2011/12, the lowest enrolment rate of any ethnic group. King's College London research further supports this, showing that the total number of white first-year undergraduates fell by almost a third in 2012/13, the year after the rise in tuition fees.

The IFS report also highlights a gender disparity, with girls 8% more likely than boys to attend university. This trend is reflected among white British students as well, indicating that white British boys from less well-off backgrounds are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to university access.

The National Audit Office (NAO) report also points to the English university sector's strong class divide, with white working-class men severely underrepresented. The report suggests that the biggest barrier to higher education for this group is the challenge of achieving the required school grades, with children from the poorest neighbourhoods often failing to meet university entry requirements.

Furthermore, a report from the National Education Opportunity Network (Neon) found that white students who received free school meals were the least likely of any group to attend university, after those from Traveller backgrounds. White students are also more likely to enrol in less prestigious, post-1992 universities. While they make up the largest group of students in terms of numbers, proportionally, young white people are less likely to attend university than black or Asian teenagers.

The University of Cambridge and Oxford University are among the institutions with the smallest intake of white students from low-participation neighbourhoods, while Sheffield Hallam University accepts the most.

The University of Cambridge and Oxford University have the smallest number of working-class students

The University of Cambridge and Oxford University are two of the most prestigious universities in the UK, and indeed the world. However, they have both been criticised for not admitting enough students from working-class backgrounds.

According to data from The Sunday Times Good University Guide, only one in ten students at Oxford and Cambridge consider themselves working-class. This is in stark contrast to other universities in the UK, such as the University of Bradford, where 58% of students identify as working-class.

In 2018, Labour MP David Lammy said that many of Britain's top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, remained "gated communities for the privileged". Lammy's comments came in response to data showing that more than 60% of Oxford's students had attended private or grammar school.

While the majority of Oxford's UK undergraduates come from state schools, and the university has a range of outreach programmes and scholarships aimed at attracting students from less privileged backgrounds, the university continues to be criticised for its relatively low percentage of working-class students. In 2019, for example, only 2% of admitted students were white and working-class.

Cambridge has also been criticised for its low percentage of working-class students, particularly white working-class students. In 2019, just 2% of admitted students were white and working-class. Cambridge has introduced foundation courses and other initiatives to attract more disadvantaged students, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will significantly increase the number of working-class students at the university.

Working-class students need to be presented with a 'sense of opportunity' at school

In the UK, the average percentage of students from working-class backgrounds across all universities is 32.3%. However, this number varies significantly between institutions, with London Metropolitan University having the highest proportion of working-class students at 57.2%, while Oxford University has the lowest at 11.5%.

Research by Kaidong Yu from the University of Manchester highlights the importance of presenting working-class students with a "sense of opportunity" while they are at school. Yu's research, published in the British Journal of Sociology of Education, found that subjective rationality—or assessing whether university was an achievable objective—was a key factor in the decisions of working-class individuals. In other words, working-class students need to experience a "sense of the possible and achievable" in order to consider university as a viable option.

This sense of opportunity can take various forms. For example, teacher encouragement, information about university, and guidance on the application process can all contribute to creating a sense of possibility for working-class students. Additionally, motivated teachers who understand the challenges faced by working-class students and can provide financial and social support are crucial.

The expansion of higher education and the encouragement of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue university education have played a significant role in increasing the sense of opportunity for working-class students. However, more support is needed within the education system to ensure that university feels like a realistic and attainable goal for students from all backgrounds.

Furthermore, the school attended by working-class students can also influence their perception of opportunity. For instance, pre-1988, working-class students who attended grammar schools were more likely to go to university than those who attended comprehensive schools, as it was expected that grammar school students would pursue higher education. In contrast, many working-class students who attended comprehensive schools left at 15 or 16 because university was not presented as a norm or option for them.

The sense of belonging is another critical aspect of a student's educational journey. When students feel accepted, respected, included, and supported in their learning environment, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This sense of belonging can be fostered through instructional opportunity structures that create a sense of continuity between home and school, especially for historically underrepresented students. Building interpersonal relationships, creating safe spaces for self-expression, and incorporating cultural relevance into the curriculum are all strategies that can enhance students' sense of belonging.

In conclusion, providing working-class students with a sense of opportunity at school is essential to increase their likelihood of pursuing higher education. This can be achieved through teacher encouragement, information, support, and a sense of belonging in their educational environment. By doing so, we can help working-class students see university as a realistic and attainable goal, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.

London Metropolitan University has the greatest proportion of working-class students

London Metropolitan University is a public research university in England with a mission to transform lives through education. It welcomes students from all backgrounds and supports them in achieving success. The university is ranked #85 in the UK by The Guardian, and according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, it is among the top 10 UK universities for teaching quality and student experience.

In terms of social class diversity, London Metropolitan University stands out. According to data from 2008/2009, it had the greatest proportion of working-class students among UK universities, with 57.2% of its students coming from routine/manual occupational backgrounds. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.3%.

The university's commitment to accessibility is further demonstrated by its high acceptance rate of around 84%, making it a relatively inclusive institution. In 2020-21, London Met had over 12,000 UK-based students, with a total of approximately 14,039 students in 2023-24. The student body is diverse, with 71% being mature students, 66% from minoritised backgrounds, and 13% with known disabilities.

London Metropolitan University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts, and social sciences. The university's main campus is in Holloway, London, and it has approximately 100 students from India enrolled in full-degree or short-term study programs.

With its focus on accessibility, diverse student body, and range of program offerings, London Metropolitan University exemplifies its dedication to providing educational opportunities for students from all walks of life.

The average for all universities in the UK is 32.3% working-class students

The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly common in the UK, with a growing proportion of individuals seeking to improve their career prospects and knowledge through university studies. This trend has had a significant impact on UK universities, as they adapt to accommodate the evolving needs of a diverse student population.

According to data from the Guardian, the average percentage of working-class students across all universities in the UK is 32.3%. This figure, based on data from 2008/2009, classifies students according to the occupation of their parent who holds the more senior position in the workforce.

The percentage of working-class students varies significantly between universities. For instance, Oxford University has the lowest proportion of working-class students at 11.5%, while London Metropolitan University has the highest proportion at 57.2%.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on widening participation and improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups. This includes students from disadvantaged areas or backgrounds, who have seen record-level entry rates in recent years. Despite this progress, concerns remain about the participation of certain groups, including part-time undergraduates, mature students, and some disadvantaged groups.

The entry rate of 18-year-olds in the UK pursuing full-time higher education has generally increased over the past two decades, with a slight dip in some years. In 2022, this figure reached 37.5%, but it fell back to 35.8% in 2023. UCAS predicted that there could be up to 1 million higher education applicants in a single year by 2030, representing a significant growth in demand for university education.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, political changes, and shifting perspectives of young people are factors that may influence the number of students in higher education. Despite these potential challenges, the pursuit of higher education in the UK continues to gain momentum, and professional service staff play a crucial role in shaping the student experience and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

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