Responding to new figures which show young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and from certain areas of the country are less likely to go to university, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Children’s educational attainment and life chances should not be constrained by their family’s means or where they live.

“While on the face of it these figures indicate that this remains a real issue, they aren’t supported by any analysis of why some young people are not progressing to university and it’s important to remember that higher education isn’t the only route to a fulfilling career for young people. Some are deciding it isn’t right for them for many reasons. These include not only cost, which is of course concerning, but also because training, apprenticeships or employment better suit their needs and ambitions.

“That said, funding cuts under the previous government to schools and community services were followed by the pandemic, high inflation and cost-of-living pressures - and these things often disproportionately affect families from poorer backgrounds and their ability to access support.

“The education secretary’s focus on closing the disadvantage gap is welcome. However, if real inroads are to be made we need not only increased funding for schools, but also more government investment in services like social care and mental health and tangible action to tackle poverty.”