NUS responds to UCAS application figures

In response to today's UCAS figures on university applications (http://www.ucas.ac.uk/website/news/media_releases/2008/Final-2007.doc), NUS President Gemma Tumelty said:

"These figures are extremely worrying. Although the overall number of accepted applications has risen since 2005, there are now fewer students from poorer backgrounds and fewer students over the age of 25 - exactly the students the sector is trying to attract.

"In 2005, before variable top-up fees were introduced, there were 89,050 successful applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds - this has now decreased by 1.24% to 87,946. And the number of successful applicants over the age of 25 has also decreased over the same period - from 42,471 to 42,261.

"Top-up fees could be seriously hampering the Government's agenda to widen participation in higher education. This must be acknowledged in the 2009 fees review. Unless a fairer system is implemented, university will only be accessible to those who can afford it."