The document discusses widening participation in higher education and debates around the value and purpose of university education. It notes strategies for targeting underrepresented groups in higher education and increasing their success. It also presents statistics showing an increase in young people from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education in recent years. Additionally, it discusses ensuring students' motivations fit the mission of higher institutions and providing tailored advice to individuals.
2. There is no single definition of widening participation and we have not tried to provide one. [We use] the expression widening participation to denote activities to target the individual groups that HEIs have identified as under-represented and to ensure their success. Strategies for widening participation in higher education: A guide to good practice, HEFCE (2001)
3. What is university for? Academia To get a job Time to ponder future All of the above Other ______________
4. What are the main reasons for you wanting to go to university? to gain qualifications (68%) to improve my chances of getting a job (53%) to improve my earning potential (44%) NUS Student Experience Report, 2008
6. 31 per cent claim it isn't worth the investment. 57 per cent believe a university education is less valuable than it was 10 years ago. 47 per cent claiming degrees no longer give you a head start in working life. 37 per cent admit they used to want their offspring to go to university but now don't think it's the best option. 38 per cent claim they believe their son or daughter may have a better chance of success with a vocational qualification.油
7. More than half feel they have not received enough information about the new fees system
8. Young people from disadvantaged areas are now substantially more likely to enter higher education since the mid-2000s where disadvantage is defined as neighbourhood participation rates themselves, or by measures of parental education, occupation or income. Trends in young participation in higher education, HEFCE, 2010 +30% in the past five years +50% in the past 15 years