The Times and the BBC report on a new report on attainment gaps from Universities UK and the National Union of Students.
Responding to 'Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Attainment at UK Universities: #Closingthegap', a new report from Universities UK and the National Union of Students, Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the Office for Students, said:
'This is an important, welcome and timely report, and universities and other higher education providers should act on its recommendations. Higher education provides life-changing benefits, but we know that stubborn gaps in attainment between certain ethnic groups are stopping some students from fulfilling their true potential. In particular, black students are much less likely to complete their studies, secure a first or upper second-class degree, or find graduate-level employment than their white peers. This is not right, and it must change.'
'The Office for Students has set a target for the higher education sector to eliminate the unexplained gap in degree outcomes between white and black students by 2024-25. In order to do this, universities must take urgent action to understand what is causing these differences, and reduce the gaps so that all students – whatever their background – are given every opportunity to reap the rewards that higher education can bring.'