The Royal College of Art's RCA BLK association improves access and supports contemporary artists who identify as Black or of African heritage.
Going to university can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life.
Higher education should be a realistic option for everyone with the potential to succeed, no matter their background.
Few other experiences offer the chance for individuals to gain new skills, boost future earnings, get a foot on the career ladder and make connections that last a lifetime. But people who stand to benefit the most from higher education, such as those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, can find it harder to access this opportunity due to their personal circumstances.
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE FRSE
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews and President of Universities UK
Access to success: universities’ action plan to break down barriers to opportunity
Our action plan sets out four actions that universities and the government in England can take to support all students to access university and flourish while they’re there.
Unlock potential with contextual admissions:
Developing a more transparent and consistent approach to contextual admissions across the sector to unlock potential in young people across the country to progress to higher education.
Collaborate in local cold spots to raise aspirations:
Supporting students to make the right choice for them through local partners of schools, FE colleges and universities working together to guide young people in their next steps after school with improved information, advice and guidance.
Set all students up for success with an adequate maintenance package:
Working with government to develop a student maintenance package that more effectively supports student costs of living while at university and transparently communicating available financial support to eligible students.
Create career-ready graduates with targeted careers services:
Providing students with the skills they need to flourish in the workforce, with a focus on equipping learners with skills identified as in need by employers and local communities and levelling the playing field for disadvantaged students.
A concerted effort from both government and universities on delivering this plan will increase opportunity for individuals and drive economic growth for the nation.
Businesses need more graduates and a future workforce that better reflects the diversity of talent in the country. The sector can only achieve this fully with sustainable funding. Well-supported universities can deliver better for students and keep higher education open to all.
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE FRSE
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews and President of Universities UK
Breaking down barriers to opportunity
One example of breaking down barriers to opportunity is the University of Chichester’s 'From Adversity to University' course, which supports individuals who have traditionally faced obstacles in accessing higher education, including care-leavers, former homeless individuals, prisoners at an open prison and asylum seekers.