The final UCAS figures for 2008 entry published today (Thursday 15 January 2009) show that the number of English students accepted on to full-time undergraduate courses at English universities and colleges has increased by 12.2 % compared to 2007.(1)
The figures also show an increase in the proportion of English students classified in the lower socio-economic groups – up 0.76% from 23.48% to 24.24% (2). If students whose social and economic background is unknown (NS-SEC 8) are excluded from the figures, this proportion shows a 1.13% increase, from 28.03% to 29.16 %.
Commenting on the figures, Sir Martin Harris, Director of Fair Access, said:
“These figures show that record numbers of students started at university and college in 2008. I am particularly pleased by the increase in the proportion of students from lower socio-economic groups.
“The continuing upward trend is further indication that students are not being deterred by the new student finance system introduced in 2006. Our monitoring shows that in the first year of this system (2006/07), universities and colleges paid out almost £96m in bursaries.
“I would strongly recommend all students to investigate fully the bursary and other financial support available to them.”
For further information
Please contact Zita Adamson, Communications Manager, on 0117 931 7272 or email press@offa.org.uk
1) This includes applicants who would previously have applied through NMAS, the admissions service for nursing and midwifery diploma courses.
2) This figure applies to English accepted applicants in National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) 4 to 7 who are 18 and under. For all English accepted applicants in NS-SEC 4 to 7, the figures show a 2.42% increase from 23.81% to 26.23%. If students whose social and economic background is unknown (NS-SEC 8) are excluded from these figures, this proportion shows a 3.42% increase, from 32.09% to 35.51 %.