Minister attacks universities that only care about ‘ bums on seats’
UNIVERSITIES with high dropout rates were accused by the Education Secretary yesterday of only caring about ‘bums on seats’.
Damian Hinds spoke out after figures showed that up to a fifth of students at some institutions leave in their first year.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly hard-hit, with data across all universities showing they are around 50 per cent more likely to drop out than their peers from wealthier homes.
The figures come amid fears that many universities are taking on students who cannot cope with their course – and when they arrive no one helps them to catch up.
Some universities are now dishing out unconditional offers – meaning students get a place regardless of A-level results – and many courses are taking students with very low grades.
Mr Hinds told the worstoffending universities that their figures create the impression they are only interested in ‘ bums on seats’, rather than offering all-round support for students throughout their studies to complete their degree.
‘We have made huge progress in ensuring universities are open to all, with record rates of disadvantaged and under-represented groups in higher education, but every step we make on access is undermined if a larger number of students then drop out,’ he said.
‘No student starts university thinking they are going to drop out. It is important that all stu- dents feel supported to do their best – both academically and in a pastoral sense.’
Mr Hinds urged universities to throw more effort into student retention or face intervention from the official regulator, the Office for Students, which can impose fines or even closures.
The figures for English universities, from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, are for the academic year 2016/17, the most recent available. London Metropolitan University had the worst all-round dropout rate, with 18.6 per cent quitting in their first year. The University of Bolton was in second place, with 15.4 per cent.
When looking at dropout rates among disadvantaged students only, the University of Bolton was the worst offender, with 21.3 per cent failing to make it to their second year. London Metropolitan University was second, with 20.8 per cent. Universities with the worst dropout rates are mostly former polytechnics.
Overall, across all universities, the dropout rate for disadvantaged students was 8.8 per cent, while for more advantaged students it was 6 per cent. Across all students, the average dropout rate was 6.3 per cent.
Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi, pro vice-chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: ‘Our student community is one of the most socio-economically challenged in the country. Additionally we have very high levels of students who declare as having a disability.’
A London Met spokesman said: ‘We are proud to be the most socially inclusive university in England, but that also means our students often have more complex lives than their peers at other institutions, and this impacts on their continuation.’