The Rise of Disadvantaged Students in Pursuit of Top University Courses
In a remarkable shift, a record number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK are applying for the most selective university degrees, challenging the traditional narrative of exclusivity that has surrounded such institutions. The latest data from UCAS reveals an increase in applications from these underrepresented groups, signalling a positive step toward a more inclusive higher education landscape.
According to UCAS, the number of 18-year-olds applying from the most disadvantaged areas has seen a significant increase of 7% compared to the previous year. In contrast, applications from the most advantaged areas have increased by only 2%, with a total of 17,080 applicants this year. Sir Peter Lampl, the founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust, acknowledges the encouraging rise in applications from disadvantaged students. However, he emphasises that the persistent gap in access to the most selective courses has “hardly shifted,” indicating that there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality.
Lampl points out a stark reality faced by these students, stating, “They have to borrow more than well-off students just to live on, resulting in them graduating with higher levels of debt which is both shameful and hugely unfair.” He highlights the uphill struggle that underrepresented students face at university, shedding light on the sacrifices they make, such as skipping meals and working full-time hours, as revealed by previous research conducted by the Sutton Trust. The data also sheds light on the universities of choice for these disadvantaged groups, with many applications directed towards the prestigious institutions of Oxford and Cambridge University. The degrees of choice include medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, traditionally seen as highly competitive and requiring substantial academic prowess.
While the surge in applications is a positive sign, it serves as a reminder that there is still much progress to be made in achieving equitable access to top-tier university courses. The disproportionate number of applicants from the most advantaged areas compared to the most disadvantaged, underscores the need for ongoing efforts to bridge this gap.
As the deadline for course applications in October 2023 approach, these statistics should serve as a call to action for educational institutions, policymakers, and society at large to continue fostering an environment where every student, regardless of their background, can aspire to and achieve their academic dreams.