13th August 2014 8:00
By Blue Tutors
The University and College Admissions Service has released figures which show that white teenagers are now the least likely ethnic group to apply to university. Applications from students of all ethnic backgrounds have increased, but white students are less likely to apply than black or Asian teens. Socio-economic background is also a significant factor as, although applications from poorer students are increasing, the gap between wealthy and poorer students in university applications is still very significant. The figures released by UCAS for this year are being compared with those from 2006 in order to examine the trends in higher education applications.
The marked trends are that although the numbers of applications have risen from all groups, there remain significant variations according to ethnicity and income. The figures released for 2014 entry show that about 45% of Asian students applied for university and 39% of black students, compared with 31% white students. A comparison with the 2006 figures shows that black teenagers have overtaken their white counterparts applying to university. Applications amongst black students have risen from 24% to 39% over the last 8 years, compared with only a 6% rise in applications from white students.
The figures will underline concerns expressed earlier in the year that poor white students are the poorest performing group in GCSEs. Although universities are receiving more applications from students eligible for free school meals – a rise in 7% from 2006- the figure remains small compared with the 37% of applications received from students not in receipt of free school meals. This comparison shows that poorer students are still far less likely to apply to university, and has revealed that within this demographic, poor white children are ultimately the least likely to apply. The office for fair access has welcomed the news that there is an overall increase in applications from poorer students, but warned that the gap which remains between application number from poorer students and their wealthier counterparts remained stark.