New Oxbridge colleges could help disadvantaged access university

A new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) calls for changes to the higher education system to make it more inclusive.

The report is called 'Reaching the parts of society universities have missed: A manifesto for the new Director of Fair Access and Participation'. It contains the views of 35 academics, MPs, think tanks and the media. Contributors include the President of the National Union of Students, Shakira Martin, the Chair of the Education Select Committee, Rob Halfon MP, and the Sutton Trust’s Director of Research, Conor Ryan.

Their proposals include founding new Oxbridge colleges to widen access to further education.

It also suggests experimenting with post-qualification admissions; appointing a Commissioner for Student Mental Health; requiring targets for students from care; and delivering mandatory unconscious bias training for staff.

Other suggestions include granting fee waivers to asylum-seekers; guaranteeing mentoring for every pupil who wants it; curbing the use of unconditional offers; and mandating statistical returns on sexual orientation.

Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute and a contributor to the publication, said: “Real progress has been made in extending access to higher education. But we are only at the first furlong on a long journey. People from rich households are more likely to reach the most prestigious institutions, white working-class boys rarely make it to higher education and there is a big black attainment gap. Groups like disabled students, LGBT+ students and refugees all face barriers in meeting their potential.

“The time for woolly ideas is over. We hope our specific recommendations for action are considered, tried and then evaluated for their effectiveness. My own recommendation is the foundation of some new Oxbridge colleges to open our most selective institutions up to a wider clientele.”