Top Universities - Fewer poor students

The gap between rich and poor students going to Britain's best universities, Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities, has widened.

Last year, students from the most advantaged backgrounds were 15 times more likely than those from the most disadvantaged social backgrounds.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the data was “extremely disappointing” and “unacceptable”. 

He said: “One problem may be the fact that it is very difficult to live away from home on the level of funding provided by the student maintenance loan. Middle class parents are able to pay towards their children’s accommodation and living costs, but this is not the case with disadvantaged families. Poor students may therefore be more inclined to live at home and unless there is a high-tariff university nearby, this will restrict their choice.”

Sir Peter Lampl, founder of social mobility charity Sutton Trust, told The Independent: “It is worrying to see that there has been limited progress in closing the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students getting into top universities. All young people, regardless of their background, should have a fair chance to get into these top institutions.”