Commenting on the latest performance indicators published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, Sir Martin Harris, Director of OFFA, said:
“This is very positive news. I am particularly encouraged by the 0.7 per cent increase in the proportion of entrants from low socio-economic backgrounds. It is also good to see that the proportions of entrants from state schools and low participation neighbourhoods have risen slightly.
“The data provides further evidence that the introduction of variable tuition fees in 2006/07 has not, as many feared, had a detrimental impact on widening participation in higher education.
“However, there is no room for complacency. The challenge now facing all of us working in the higher education sector is to step up the momentum, reaching out earlier to young people in communities and families with no tradition of higher education and encouraging them to see university as an affordable option.”