STUC on Commission for Widening Access Report

March 13th 2016

STUC on Commission for Widening Access Report

March 13th 2016

Speaking on the release of the Commission for Widening Access Report Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

“The STUC welcomes the work that the Commission for Widening Access has undertaken. It is a continuing scandal within our education system that the wealth of your parents determines how likely you are to go to university. In Scotland we currently have some universities where more than 40% of Scottish students are from the wealthiest 20% of households while only around 5% are from the poorest 20% of households. This cannot be justified and if we are serious about creating a society that works for everyone these statistics need to change.”

“The Commission for Widening Access’ work has been extensive and it is right that a sector wide approach to tackle this problem is pursued, focusing not just on universities but on colleges, schools and early year’s provision. The targets within the report are particularly useful for driving change forward and the minimum entry threshold offers a real and useful tool within the system that can begin to tackle this persistent injustice that has a material effect on the life chances of Scotland’s young people’

Ends

For more information contact

Helen Martin 0141 337 8100