At least 9,200 students will receive letters from current university students with similar upbringings
Thousands of homes are to be sent letters as part of a new government scheme. The Department for Education has launched a new programme designed to help bright youngsters in hard-up areas.
Current King’s College London students will pen letters to younger pupils from similar backgrounds, encouraging them to consider university. A minimum of 9,200 students from “underprivileged” areas are set to receive these letters.
The initiative is aimed at high-achieving students aged between 16 and 18 who attend schools or colleges with the lowest rates of progression to university. This move comes in response to recent data revealing that only about 31.2% of “disadvantaged” students advance to higher education, compared to 50.5% of their non-“disadvantaged” peers.
The letters will share personal success stories from the university students, emphasising that it’s possible to break the link between one’s background and future success. Research from King’s College London indicates that providing young students with timely contact with a relatable role model, such as those from a similar upbringing, can significantly impact young people, according to Professor of Public Policy Michael Sanders.
The hope is that these letters will inspire the younger students to pursue higher education by dispelling the misconception that university is exclusively for privileged students. The department also aims to address the growing disparities across different postcodes.
Fresh government figures reveal the postcode divide for university progression has widened even further than previously recorded. Currently, pupils in Redbridge are nearly three times more likely to advance to higher education compared to those raised in Knowsley, Merseyside.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Talent, aspiration and hard work – not postcode or background – should decide a young person’s future. Universities need to do more to make sure they’re reaching the most talented people in our country wherever they come from – youngsters who need a bit of encouragement to see that a degree isn’t only for a privileged few.
“I’m proud that we’ve been able to support this brilliant initiative – which comes ahead of further steps from Government to break the link between young people’s background and success through our Post-16 and Skills White Paper.”
Kemi Adeyemi, a letter writer from King’s College London, said: “It’s so important that young people know that their background doesn’t determine where they can study.
“It should be based purely on you, your grades and your choice alone, which I feel isn’t a message reiterated enough to pupils in state schools. As a result of the letters I hope students feel empowered to apply for university and that they know they deserve to be there just like anyone else.”
The Department for Education has also earmarked £265million this financial year to support disadvantaged students, helping universities provide additional assistance to those facing the most significant barriers. This funding is also bolstering Uni Connect, a programme aimed at increasing the number of young people from under-represented groups entering higher education.