White British males from low socioeconomic status backgrounds

Effective practice advice

Research indicates that schools and higher education providers have important roles in supporting white British males from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds to access higher education.

Examples of the ways in which providers can do this include:

1. Collaborate with other providers and organisations

A report by the National Education Opportunities Network highlighted that issues for this group can only be addressed in collaboration with other higher education providers and organisations in the education and community sectors.

Providers and organisations may work collaboratively through initiatives such as the Uni Connect programme.

2. Target outreach interventions

School attainment has been highlighted as a key barrier for this group of students. Early intervention is advisable, as the LKMco report found that differences in attainment could be observed from five years old.

Outreach should continue to be provided at key decision points, and throughout the admissions process.

3. Involve parents and the community in outreach work

You may wish to provide these influencers with information about higher education, to make them aware that university is a realistic possibility for the young people in their community, and to enable them to help their young people make informed choices.

If you are involved with a Uni Connect partnership, you could involve parents and the community and promote lifelong learning alongside the programme.

4. Develop alternative sources of information, advice and guidance

This group are less likely to use formal sources of information when making decisions about higher education. You may wish to consider different approaches in the way you target this group with information, advice and guidance.

The LKMco report indicates that an effective method is to use student mentors as part of a long-term mentoring programme.