Universities have ‘institutional prejudice’ against poor families, says equalities tsar

UNIVERSITIES have been accused of ‘institutional’ prejudice against students from poorer families in an attack by Scotland’s equalities tsar.

Sir Peter Scott has squared up to many of Scotland’s best-known and most respected universities by claiming students from poorer backgrounds suffer ‘discrimination’ throughout their time studying.

The Oxford-educated Commissioner for Fair Access said it is time that higher education changed to ensure more working-class students get the same grades as those from better-off families. He has already demanded that universities should lower entry grades for poorer students.

But in a report yesterday he urged Nicola Sturgeon to set a new target for students from the most deprived backgrounds to achieve the same average grades as those from better-off areas by 2030 – a challenge which was accepted by SNP ministers.

His comments sparked a backlash from universities and opponents, who said that setting ‘artificial’ targets is not the best way to deal with the issue.

In a new report, Sir Peter, who has been tasked by the Scottish Government with improving access to university, said: ‘It is now commonplace to recognise the hidden power of gender discrimination.

‘Everyone accepts some forms of status, achievement and performance are “gendered”. The same is true of class and culture. Second, it is also commonplace to talk about “institutional racism” that is so deeply entrenched it may go unrecognised. But there is a reluctance to accept the same is true of class. Maybe it challenges our easy assumptions about social mobility that focus on up-skilling, empowerment and modifying behaviour while downplaying barriers of prejudice.’

Sir Peter said those from the 20 per cent of poorest areas suffer ‘discrimination’ no matter how much support they receive during their time at college or university.

And he suggested that those from middleclass backgrounds find it easier to secure jobs after university because of family support and ‘social connections’.

He said: ‘Not so many enjoy the positive reinforcement of families and peers that helps stop more socially privileged students dropping out. Faced with competing social, and maybe financial pressures, they need more resilience to stay the course. Far fewer have the “middle-class” habits, and actual social connections, that smooth the paths into professional jobs.’

Sir Peter spoke out as he published a report which showed most students from poorer areas studied at newer universities, with a lower proportion making it to the more prestigious ‘ancient’ universities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews.

Students from deprived backgrounds were also more likely to drop out, with retention rates typically about five percentage points lower than for other students.

Meanwhile, 47 per cent of students from the poorest areas achieved a 2:1 honours degree or better, compared to 63 per cent from other parts of the country.

Sir Peter’s comments won the backing of SNP ministers, but Scottish Tory education spokesman Liz Smith said: ‘Rather than setting artificial targets, the policy focus should be on ensuring that there is sufficient bursary support for those students from the poorest backgrounds.’

Higher Education minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said: ‘The commissioner sets out a timely challenge to us all to do more to address this shocking inequality.’

A St Andrews university spokesman said: ‘Almost half of all Scottish students admitted to St Andrews this year come from deprived areas.’

‘Challenges our easy assumptions’