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University place 'less likely' for poorer students

Posted on 29th May 2009

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The wealthiest parts of the country boast the most university attendees, new figures from the Conservatives suggest.

In the poorest areas of England one in three school leavers makes it to higher education, but this increased to 60 per cent in the most affluent locations, the Telegraph relayed.

It was also revealed less than one in 20 pupils study at university in 20 of the poorest council wards.

David Willetts, the Tory shadow universities secretary, said "far too many school leavers from poorer backgrounds, who have similar aspirations to their wealthier peers, are simply not getting the opportunities they need to match their ambitions".

He added that the statistics show a lack of social mobility.

In January, thinktank Reform Scotland argued that children from poor backgrounds should be provided with credits to fund their learning at independent schools.

Director of the organisation Geoff Mawdsley said this will create a system that "extends opportunity and promotes social mobility". ADNFCR-921-ID-19193532-ADNFCR