A concerning gap in university access between low-income and other students in London could widen dramatically by 2035, according to a new report from London Higher’s AccessHE division.
The study, Hyper-diversity revisited: London’s student population in 2035, reveals that while more students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) are expected to enter higher education, they will fall even further behind their peers without targeted intervention.
The findings paint a mixed picture of educational access in the capital. Ethnic diversity in higher education has reached hyper-diverse levels five years ahead of forecasts, whilst about 80% of young Londoners entering university come from minority ethnic backgrounds. However, disparities persist, with educational inequality set to increase across the capital.
“London has a proud record when it comes to widening access to higher education, but our findings show this cannot be taken for granted,” says Dr. Richard Boffey, head of AccessHE at London Higher and lead author of the report.
The study projects that by 2035, low-income students from different London boroughs could face stark inequalities, with those from some areas being twice as likely to attend university as their counterparts in other parts of the city.
To address these challenges, the report recommends a more coordinated approach to university outreach programs, with a specific focus on students receiving free school meals. It also calls for both local and national government to implement specific targets for improving access.
The findings suggest that without immediate action, London risks undermining its progress in making higher education accessible to all students, regardless of their economic background.
Hyper-diversity revisited: London’s student population in 2035 is an AccessHE report written by Richard Boffey and Khadeja Raza.
