For years, UK universities have worked to close the gap between students from wealthy and disadvantaged backgrounds. Outreach programmes focused on raising aspirations, led to application rates from poorer areas more than doubling between 2006 and 2022. However, new analysis from dataHE, led by Managing Director Mark Corver, recently suggests this progress has now stalled. Application rates from low-income areas have declined, with the latest 2025 data showing another drop.
This trend is worrying, suggesting that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are now less likely to apply to university. This may be due to concerns about student debt, AI’s impact on jobs, and doubts about whether a degree is worth it. However, Corver points out that this doesn’t necessarily add up – the financial benefit of having a degree versus potential income, the “graduate premium,” is more favourable than ever. While tuition fees may be more manageable in the long run, upfront costs like rent, food, and travel can still be significant barriers. Those students without family financial support, may feel university is unaffordable despite its long-term benefits. A decade ago, tuition fees were about 100% of a graduate’s earnings after five years; now, that figure is just 60%, making university more affordable in the long run.
A bigger issue may be the declining quality of education due to funding cuts. Universities are struggling with fewer resources, which may be reducing the value students – especially those from poorer backgrounds – get from their degrees. Since these students may lack additional support like private tutoring or financial help from family, and therefore feel university is no longer worth the cost.
Persistent Educational Inequalities and the Attainment Gap
In addition to Mark Corver’s comments, other articles have recently raised concerns about a growing inequality gap.
An Educational Inequalities and Higher Education article in UK Parliament News highlights that only 29% of pupils eligible for Free School Meals at age 15 later progressed to university, compared to 49% of their better-off peers. Fee-paying independent schools continue to dominate prestigious universities and high-status professions, reinforcing social immobility. This disparity suggests that despite university outreach efforts, access remains skewed in favour of students from wealthier backgrounds.
The Guardian article, “Only 5% of UK Medical School Entrants Are Working Class, Data Shows,” further emphasises the issue. Although the proportion of working-class students entering UK medical schools has doubled over the past decade, they still make up just 5% of entrants, while 75% come from higher socio-economic backgrounds. Research by the Sutton Trust and UCL found that applicants from independent schools are significantly more likely to receive offers, even when academic performance and socio-economic factors are considered. Additionally, just 2% of institutions send a disproportionately high number of medical applicants, limiting opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition, Nicola Sturgeon pledged to close Scotland’s attainment gap, but recent figures show she fell short. The Telegraph states that her legacy was left in ‘tatters’. While progress has been made, only 26.8% of students from the poorest areas attend university compared to 62.5% from wealthier backgrounds, highlighting the challenge of tackling ingrained inequality. Again Mark Corver also notes that demand from poorer students in Scotland appears to be holding up better than in England, where applications from the poorest 40% have dropped significantly below long-term trends. This could be due to differences in policy and funding structures, particularly Scotland’s approach to tuition fees and student financial support.
Addressing Inequalities
UK universities have implemented various initiatives to address inequalities and promote inclusivity. These efforts encompass financial support, targeted outreach, and structural reforms.
University of Reading: Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship
Our client, the University of Reading has launched the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship, investing £34 million to support up to 400 high-achieving undergraduate students annually, starting in 2025. Each scholar receives £6,000 per year for up to four years to assist with maintenance and living costs. The programme aims to create a community of future leaders committed to environmental sustainability. Notably, the scholarship criteria are adjusted to encourage participation from students with disadvantaged backgrounds – half of the scholarships for UK students for 2025 entry (100) will be earmarked for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Sutton Trust
The Sutton Trust is a UK-based charity dedicated to increasing social mobility through education. It offers programmes such as summer schools, Pathways to Law, and Pathways to Medicine, designed to support students from non-privileged backgrounds in accessing leading universities and professional careers. These initiatives provide mentorship, work placements, and academic enrichment to help bridge the gap for disadvantaged students
The need for further urgent Action
Universities and the government must act urgently to prevent further setbacks. Without intervention, the progress made over the last two decades in widening participation could unravel, increasing inequality. Addressing these issues requires long-term, sustained strategies that not only improve access to university but also strengthen early education, reduce financial barriers, and create fairer opportunities in higher education and beyond.
Get in touch today: kim.mclellan@hunterlodge.co.uk
