New data reveals university performance on access and student success

Although more students from disadvantaged backgrounds are entering higher education, there are still wide gaps in access between the most and least advantaged groups, according to a new dataset published today by the Office for Students (OfS). The outcomes students achieve once they get to university are also significantly affected by their backgrounds.

The dataset looks at each university and college’s student intake, drop-out rates, degree attainment and progression to further study or employment for different groups of students over the last five years. It presents more information than ever before in a range of dashboards, which will improve transparency and greater scrutiny on universities and other higher education providers in this area.

The data shows:

• 67 per cent of English universities and other higher education providers had gaps in higher education access for young students from the least advantaged areas. There are substantial gaps in access at all higher-tariff universities.
• Young students from disadvantaged areas are more likely to drop out, less likely to gain a first or 2:1, or find graduate employment compared to their more advantaged peers. Specifically:
• 89.2 per cent of disadvantaged students continue their studies into their second year, compared to 94.2 per cent of the most advantaged students.
• 74.6 per cent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds are awarded a first or 2:1. The figure for the most advantaged students is 84.1 per cent.
• 68.8 per cent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds go on to secure higher-level employment or post-graduate study, compared to 74.8 per cent of students from the most advantaged backgrounds.

Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, said:

'The dataset is a game changer for the way in which we hold universities to account on access and successful participation. It provides a more transparent picture of equality of opportunity in different universities than ever before. Universities will be held to account for their performance, not just by the OfS but by students and the wider public, who are increasingly expecting stronger progress in this area. The data shows that some universities are making stronger progress than others and we expect to use it to ensure that all now make significant improvements during the coming years.

'We have set ambitious targets to reduce equality gaps during the next five years. Universities now need to focus their attention on the specific areas where they face the biggest challenges. While some universities will need to focus on improving access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the data shows that for many universities the real challenge is in ensuring these students can succeed in their studies, and thrive in life after graduation. This data will help them to do that, and to showcase their achievements.

'When we consulted on creating this dataset last year, there was widespread support for a comprehensive, consistent and high-quality source of data. It will enable us to make consistent judgements of how well different universities are doing, and provide clarity to universities on how their performance will be assessed. Along with the creation of a new evidence and impact exchange, we have a platform to make higher education truly open to all those with the talent to benefit it.'

For the first time, data has also been made available about the differences in outcomes for students who declare a mental health condition.

Yvonne Hawkins, Director of Teaching Excellence and Student Experience at OfS, said:

'The data shows there are clear differences in outcomes for students who declare a mental health condition, compared to those students who have no known disability. Universities should look at the data closely and consider how they can continue to support students reporting mental ill health. Work to improve the mental health of all students is a priority for the OfS. We have made funding of up to £6 million available to drive a step-change in improving mental health, and are working with Research England to deliver further funding of up to £1.5 million to enhance mental health support for postgraduate research students.'

For further information contact Sean Beynon or Richard Foord on 0117 905 7676 or [email protected]

Notes

1. The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Our aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.

2. See the dataset and a range of supporting documents, including a summary of findings and details of the methodologies.

3. For each stage of the student lifecycle (access, continuation, attainment, progression) at each university, college and other higher education provider on the OfS Register, the dataset shows gaps between:

• students from the most and least advantaged areas (POLAR quintiles 5 and 1)
• white and black, Asian and minority ethnic students
• young (under 21 on entry) and mature (21 and over on entry) students
• disabled and non-disabled students
• male and female students
• students who were eligible for free school meals and those who were not.

4. The data shows that:

• 86.8 per cent of full-time students with a declared mental health condition progress into their second year of study, compared to 90.3 per cent of full-time students with no known disability
• 77.3 per cent of full-time students with a declared mental health condition achieve a first or 2:1 degree classification, compared to 78.7 per cent of full-time students with no known disability
• 69.2 per cent of full-time students with a declared mental health condition go on to secure higher level employment or enter post-graduate study, compared to 73.3 per cent of full-time students with no known disability.

5. Figures quoted are absolute figures. Depending on the test of statistical significance applied, not all gaps reported will be statistically significant.

6. The access and participation dataset was one of a number of proposals in the OfS’s review of its approach to regulating access and participation.