From 2018 we set targets for ourselves and the sector to address specific gaps in access and participation.
These are designed to eliminate:
- the gap in entry rates at higher tariff providers between the most and least represented groups
- the gap in non-continuation between the most and least represented groups
- the gap in degree outcomes between white and black students
- the gap in degree outcomes between disabled and non-disabled students.
Analysis of impact
An updated analysis of higher education providers' access and participation plans has shown that our approach led to significant change.
This analysis, outlined below, shows performance in achieving these targets is on a positive trajectory. Our future changes to access and participation intend to build upon the positive progress made. We will be consulting on our new approach including revisions to these sector wide targets.
The gap in entry rates at higher tariff providers between the most and least represented groups
If all high-tariff universities and colleges with these targets meet them, the ratio will have moved from a gap of 5.81:1 in 2019-20 to 3.45:1 in 2024-25.
The gap in non-continuation between the most and least represented groups
If all universities and colleges with these targets meet them, this gap would be reduced from 4.7 percentage points in 2018-19 to 3 percentage points by 2024-25.
The gap in degree outcomes between white and black students
If all universities and colleges with these targets meet them, the gap would reduce from 18.2 percentage points in 2019-20 to 9.5 percentage points in 2024-25.
The gap in degree outcomes between disabled and non-disabled students
If all universities and colleges with these targets meet them, the gap would close from 1.4 percentage points in 2019-20 to 0.4 percentage points in 2024-25.
