Context
The question addresses the disparity in higher education access among different ethnic backgrounds, highlighting that while Chinese students have a 72% progression rate to higher education, white students have only 33%. The issue is prompted by government figures showing widening disparities.
Question
If she will take steps with the Secretary of State for Education to help ensure that the proportion of white state school educated students obtaining a place in higher education is raised to the same proportion as mixed heritage, black, Asian and Chinese students. On the Government's own figures, the percentage of state school pupils getting a higher education place by ethnicity is Chinese 72%, Asian 55%, black 49%, mixed heritage 41% and white 33%. Are the Government concerned about those widening disparities, and if so, what are they going to do to level up university entry?
Answer from Andrea Jenkyns
Ensuring that everyone can access world-class education remains a priority. In 2021, we saw record higher education progression rates for disadvantaged white students who had free school meals. The Government are investing £3.8 billion more in high-quality education, skills and training provision, leading to good outcomes for young people and getting them the skills needed for economic growth, whichever good-quality route they choose. As a meritocrat, I believe not in positive discrimination, but in a society where people are judged on their character and ability. Access to HE should be based on a student's attainment and their ability to succeed, rather than their background. Since the publication of the report, “The forgotten: how White working-class pupils have been let down, and how to change it”, we have tasked the Office for Students with refreshing its entire access and participation work and with looking into that.
Not addressed: The answer did not address how the government will specifically ensure that white students obtain higher education at rates equal to other ethnic groups. It avoided direct commitments or specific actions.
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