Disadvantaged students to be encouraged into university

Plans for a new Office for Fair Access (OFFA) have been unveiled today which it is hoped will encourage wider participation in higher education.

With an 8% social class gap in applications to the top universities and only a 1% social class gap in admissions to the same institutions, the focus of OFFA will be on raising aspirations of and increasing applications from students from deprived areas.

Under the plans, universities that wish to increase their fees above the current £1,100 level will need to draw up an access agreement that will be considered and approved by OFFA – fees will however be capped at £3,000.

Education and Skills Secretary Charles Clarke said: "We must tackle the under-achievement of the many young people who come from less advantaged backgrounds and do not realise their educational potential and do not benefit from higher education.

"There is no question that the ultimate driver to widening participation is attainment in schools and it's the government's responsibility to ensure that the education system from early years onwards enables every individual to realise their true potential."

The Secretary of State outlined four conditions – raising attainment; raising aspirations; raising applications; and fair admissions – which need to be met if students from all backgrounds are to go to university.

Mr Clarke added: "Raising standards of education and attainment is the best long-term route to widening participation in higher education. The government is tackling this through its strategy to improve education standards and achievement at all points of a child's life - from the early years onwards."

The government has asked Professor Stephen Schwartz, Vice Chancellor of Brunel University, to lead a team to identify good practice in admissions.

The OFFA will be an independent body, separate from but supported by the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE).

(GMcG)