Commenting on the release of performance indicators covering widening participation and non-continuation rates, Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK, said: “Once again the main indicators show a positive trend in improving access to UK universities. It is particularly encouraging to see that the percentage of entrants from low participation neighbourhoods has significantly increased (from 9.7% in 2007/08 to 10.1% in 2008/09) as well as the percentage of young entrants from state schools (from 88.0% in 2007/08 to 88.5% in 2008/09).

“While it should be noted that the current targets and benchmarks - ‘performance indicators’ - are only partial indicators of change and do not reflect universities’ varying missions and circumstances, today’s figures nonetheless confirm the consistent improvement in widening participation of young full time undergraduates. Indeed, this was also highlighted in a recent report from HEFCE, which showed substantial increases in entry to higher education for disadvantaged young people.

“The sector is continually looking at ways to increase participation in higher education. As we have stressed for some time now, the key lies in raising awareness earlier on in the education process. Universities are working closely with schools and colleges to raise aspirations and attainment levels among young people, and ensure high quality information about higher education. 

Responding to the indicators on full-time course non-completion rates, Professor Smith added: “These figures also show an improvement (from 7.4% in 2007/8 to 7.2% in 2008/9). The UK still has one of the most successful completion rates for higher education in the world, despite a significant funding gap compared to other OECD countries. This emphasises our place as one of the country’s most valuable sectors, providing an outstanding return on public investment and real value for money.”

Notes

1. The full tables, showing the indicators for each UK HE institution, are available from the HESA website at: http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/view/1708/161/
2. HEFCE’s report ‘Trends in young participation in higher education: core results for England’ (HEFCE 2010/03), is available to download at: www.hefce.ac.uk/