Universities Scotland have responded to Liz Smith MSP’s proposed Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill which has just completed its consultation phase. Universities Scotland, representing Scotland’s 19 universities are supportive of this proposed Bill as we consider there to be helpful evidence of the educational and wider benefits that outdoor education offers young people across…
Tag: Equality and diversity
Our response to Sir Peter Scott’s Final Report as Commissioner for Fair Access
Responding to the final report from the Commission for Fair Access, Sir Peter Scott, Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim said: “Scotland’s universities have achieved a lot when it comes to widening access in recent years. As a sector, we have introduced the most progressive admissions policies for students in the UK and have reached…
Universities Scotland’s submission to the Education, Children and Young People Committee on the attainment challenge
We have provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People’s Committee to assist with their inquiry on the attainment challenge. Our submission highlights the role that the attainment challenge will play in ensuring fair admissions to universities; the key role that better data could play in making decisive policy interventions as well…
Record breaking widening access success highlighted in new figures
Responding to the publication of the Higher Education Student Statistics UK 2020-21, which shows the highest number and proportion of Scottish students from Scotland’s most deprived areas, Universities Scotland Director, Alastair Sim said: “It’s a source of pride for the sector that more students than ever from Scotland’s most deprived areas are studying and hopefully…
New widening access data a cause for celebration in Scotland
Universities in Scotland have reached a significant milestone in their commitment to widen access, with the latest figures showing 16.4% of students were from SIMD20 backgrounds in the academic year 2019/20. The Commission on Widening Access recommended that 16% of students should be from SIMD20 backgrounds by 2021 with an overall aim to reach 20%…
Scotland’s universities stand united against racism
Universities Scotland has been working closely with Advance HE over recent months as it’s Steering Group on tackling racism, led by Khadija Mohammed, developed a declaration and a programme of activity to support universities and colleges to build a zero-tolerance approach to racial harassment. This partnership will continue and run in addition to the work…
Universities Scotland comment on Ministerial Statement: SQA Exam Results 2020
Commenting on today’s Ministerial Statement from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Universities Scotland Convener Gerry McCormac said: “Universities will do everything possible to ensure that all those who can benefit from higher education have the opportunity to attend university. They will look at the circumstances of each applicant who…
Scotland’s Recovery
Post-pandemic the university sector will be a key part of Scotland’s recovery. The world-leading research and teaching that we offer will be strategically deployed to accelerate the recovery. Scotland will face severe challenges as we look beyond the coronavirus emergency. Its universities will co-develop an agile response with government, agencies, business and wider partners across…
New research will help Scottish students thrive
A new research project into student mental health in Scotland will aim to better understand the landscape of provision, ‘what works’ for promoting wellbeing, and what students want to enhance and promote their wellbeing. The Robertson Trust has agreed to fund the project being undertaken by The Mental Health Foundation on behalf of Universities Scotland….