Success claimed in bid to attract poorer students

Universities: Moves to hit new Scottish Government ‘deprived postcode’ targets

St Andrews University insists it is making great strides in attracting students from deprived areas after it emerged one Scottish institution has started offering free accommodation to teenagers as an incentive.

Aberdeen University has promised applicants a free year in halls of residence, which usually costs between £3,861 and £5,733, if they have a postcode deemed to be in the least deprived 20% in the country. The university hopes the move will help it to hit new Scottish Government targets for universities to have 10% of new undergraduates from such areas by 2021.

A St Andrews University spokesperson pointed out, the Fife university is the “most improved mainstream institution” in terms of widening participation.

“Almost half of all Scottish students admitted to St Andrews this year came with an access marker such as a background of in-care, residing in areas of socio-economic deprivation as indicated by SIMD or from a low progression school.

“That figure has grown from 39% to 49% in the space of a year.

“Our clear plan of action includes a programme of support through Gateway Programmes, first year mentoring, and guaranteed bursaries of £1,500 per year of study for all those with a family income of £34,000 or less.”

It also runs a “comprehensive” financial support programme to help students specifically with the costs of accommodation.

“It was designed in partnership with our students who were anxious that students should have support wherever they choose to live in St Andrews,” the spokesperson continued.

Universities have been threatened with funding cuts if they fail to meet targets.

A spokesperson for Dundee University said: “We use a contextualised admissions process, which takes into account information such as an applicant’s background and SIMD information, to ensure that these are not barriers that can prevent students from fulfilling their potential.

“We have taken a leading role in helping to widen access to higher education through initiatives such as our Dual Summer School, and we can offer additional support to students who require it both prior to and during their studies.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome innovative ideas and we are interested to see if they translate into positive results.”

Picture: Steven Brown. Measures at St Andrews University have helped to widen participation in higher education.