State School Students Shun University as Costs Soar

6.12.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st Aug 2006

As pupils receive their A-level grades this week, Manchester Lib Dem MP John Leech has spoken out about the rising cost of attending university that deters many pupils from applying.  The proportion of state school students gaining places at many universities, including Manchester, has fallen for a second year running. There has also been a dramatic rise in the drop-out rate.

A report by the Vice Chancellors of Britain's top universities says one in six students drop out or fail their course. Many of these are from low-income families.  Students often say they can't afford to continue.

John Leech MP said:

"Today when A Level students decide whether to attend university, their main concern is whether they can manage their overdraft rather than whether they can manage the work."

"The number of state school pupils going to Manchester University fell by almost 2% between 2004 and 2005. With the introduction of top-up fees this autumn, this trend is likely to continue."

"Further Education should be available to all whatever their social background, but the current system is elitist and is failing bright students from low-income backgrounds.  That's why the Liberal Democrats abolished Tuition Fees in Scotland, and why I want to see the same happen here in England."

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Statistics from the Higher Education Statistics agency at http://www.hesa.ac.uk/ and the Russell Group Universities.