THE proportion of students from state schools at Durham University is some of the lowest of all institutions across the UK, figures suggest.

In a report published today (February 22), the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has suggested that only 61.6 percent of pupils in the 2020/21 student intake at Durham University came from a state school background – making it one of the lowest among Russell Group universities.

Within the study, Edinburgh (64.5 percent) and Exeter (65.5 percent) were the other two UK universities where state school pupils were on a similar level compared to Durham.

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Despite the figures not favouring the North East institution, young people starting university nationally in 2020/21, shows nine in ten (90.2 percent) were educated at state schools – a slight rise of 0.1 percentage points on the previous year

Throughout the HESA data, the numbers show that the proportion of state-educated students differs significantly by university or college.

At some institutions, just over a third of UK students who started full-time undergraduate courses in the autumn of 2020 were from state schools, while at others all students were state educated.

The Northern Echo: Durham University has a 61.6 per cent intake of state school pupils. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.Durham University has a 61.6 per cent intake of state school pupils. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

The lowest state school participation rates are seen at City and Guilds of London Art School, where 34.2 percent of students attended state schools in the 2020/21 intake.

Of this list, nine are Russell Group universities – traditionally the most selective institutions in the UK.

Of the 24 Russell Group institutions, nine saw a fall in UK state-educated entrants between 2019/20 and 2020/21, the analysis shows.

The Northern Echo: The Russell Group have said that universities are trying to get students from diverse backgrounds, but education agencies have expressed their disappointment at some universities named. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT. The Russell Group have said that universities are trying to get students from diverse backgrounds, but education agencies have expressed their disappointment at some universities named. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

A Russell Group spokesperson said: “Our universities are working hard to ensure all students have the opportunity to access the benefits of an excellent higher education in the UK.

“Across the Russell Group, both the number and proportion of students admitted from state schools increased in 2020/21, while the proportion of 18-year-olds from some of the most disadvantaged areas entering English Russell Group universities has increased every year for the last seven years. Our members have set ambitious targets to build on that progress.

“It is equally important that students from all backgrounds are supported to succeed once they arrive at university.

The Northern Echo: Students in Durham. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.Students in Durham. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

“The priority our members give to this is reflected in the high levels of continuation rates, progression to professional careers and higher degrees, and the future earnings for students attending our universities, including those from the most underrepresented groups.”

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, added: “We are very disappointed to hear that the number of state school students in some of our most selective universities has actually fallen.

“There are wider systemic issues which need to be addressed by the Government in terms of supporting and resourcing education from the early years onwards to achieve better outcomes for young people from all backgrounds.

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“However, it is of paramount importance that universities themselves recognise the role that they must play in improving access.

“They must reach out to schools, colleges and communities, take a harder look at their admissions practices, and actively encourage applications from under-represented groups.”

Durham University has been contacted for a comment about the data.

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