Commenting on today’s UCAS application figures for 2018 entry, Universities Scotland spokesperson said: “Today’s figures show that demand for Scottish higher education remains very high. This means that there will be no let-up in the fierce competition for places amongst applicants. “We have seen a fall in applications from those from the most deprived areas of…
Tag: Widening access
Our response to latest Report from the Commissioner for Fair Access
The Commissioner for Fair Access has published his first annual report this morning (13 December 2017). The Commissioner’s first annual report on access is both challenging, interesting and useful. We’d expect nothing less. Universities will give his set of 23 new recommendations urgent and full consideration. On first sight, there appears to be lots…
Emboldened to deliver more on access to HE
Big challenges require bold action. One of Scotland’s biggest challenges is the need to address the inequality that exists in our society and in our education sector. Whoever we are, we all have an interest in ensuring that our future is rid of the shameful statistic that by the time a child reaches five, there…
A collective effort is needed to help people realise their potential
I’m delighted that we’re publishing Working to Widen Access. I believe passionately that higher education should be open to everyone who has the talent to benefit. I also believe that talent is distributed across the population, regardless of privilege. As a society, I believe we can and must be committed to achieving equality of opportunity,…
Response to Sutton Trust report: Admissions in Context
Universities Scotland has responded to the publication of the Sutton Trust’s report, Admissions in Context. The report provides new evidence on the use of ‘contextualised’ admissions and offers some insights into the difference that greater use of contextual data might make to the numbers of disadvantaged students at these universities. Commenting on the report, Universities Scotland Director,…
Success for Scottish students as UCAS figures revealed
New figures released today by UCAS, the admissions body, have been welcomed by Universities Scotland. Higher results day has seen a large increase in number of people from most deprived areas going to university in 2017. There has been a 13% increase in the number of placed applicants from Scotland’s 20% most deprived neighbourhoods compared…
Ministerial Statement on Widening Access
On Tuesday 31 May, the Scottish Parliament is due to hear a Ministerial Statement on Widening Access. As part of that statement, Universities Scotland has prepared a briefing for Members of the Scottish Parliament updating them on actions taken by higher education institutions since A Blueprint for Fairness was published last year. Read the briefing…
Written evidence to Education & Skills Committee session 7 September 2016
Our Convener, Professor Andrea Nolan, is giving evidence to the Education and Skills Committee of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 7 September as part of a session themed on further and higher education . We have submitted a short brief on the opportunities and challenges facing Scottish higher education in advance of this session. You…