Commenting on the publication of A-Level results today, Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, Professor Les Ebdon, said:
“Congratulations to everyone receiving their A-Level results today, especially those who faced extra challenges because of their circumstances. We’ve seen a significant increase in the rate of students from disadvantaged backgrounds making the grade, and winning hard-earned places at university as a result. This is testament to their efforts – often with the odds stacked against them – and the work universities and colleges are doing to raise aspirations and achievement among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“To the young people celebrating today I say this: higher education could change your life, like it did mine, as a teenager from a council estate who was the first in my family to go to university. If you have not yet applied to a higher education course, I urge you to consider doing so using the Clearing system.
“Where you come from should not limit where you go in life, and universities and colleges provide a wide range of financial aid and other support to help you settle in, study and prepare for a rewarding graduate career or postgraduate study.”
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- Examples of support provided by universities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds:
- The London School of Economics and Political Science provides financial support, student-led induction sessions, targeted mentoring for UK students not living in halls of residence, peer support and study skills sessions (including exam revision and research skills provision, and super-reading training for dyslexic students) in the first years of study, plus end-of-degree careers guidance and information, advice and guidance about postgraduate study in their third year.
- Bath Spa University provides targeted support during the transition to university including a pre-entry study skills programme for mature students and an early induction programme for disabled students; an extended induction period plus peer mentoring are available to all students. During their studies, academic and pastoral support includes personal tutors, additional learning and writing development support, plus student services including welfare, finance, disability and careers advice and guidance services. The university also offers financial support to students from low-income backgrounds.