Scottish universities worst in the UK for admitting poorer students, despite having no tuition fees

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Overall, says the report, Scottish universities’ efforts to widen access for students from poorer backgrounds have achieved “only partial success,” adding: “It is not evident from the data that divergence in fee policy has given Scotland any specific advantage.” The report has also found that virtually all the improvements in getting disadvantaged Scottish students places in HE over the last decade has been provided by colleges, and not universities. Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary, Liz Smith, said the “damning” report confirms Scotland still has “some way to go” when it comes to offering the same opportunities to poorer students, despite the best efforts of the country’s universities. It is vital access to HE improves to the best universities, and that there is a role for clearer contextual admissions.” Edinburgh University’s Professor Sheila Riddell, one of the report’s authors, echoed the chairman’s comments, and said: “This report sheds new light on the problem, in particular highlighting an over-reliance on the Scottish college sector to increase participation rates overall and, in particular, for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The growing tendency of students from privileged backgrounds to occupy the lion’s share of places in Scottish ancient universities is also noted.” The SNP has long-supported the continuation of free tuition fees with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon quoted for having said in October last rear: “For as long as I am First Minister, there will be no tuition fees in Scotland.” Her predecessor, Alex Salmond, previously described free university tuition as the policy of which he was most proud.