Universities not doing enough to address barriers which are causing working class students to drop out without graduating

Working class students face disproportionate barriers at university and are dropping out without graduating in increasing numbers, while universities are not doing enough to provide support, new research has revealed.

The research was conducted by Educating All, a student-led programme set up by the charity RECLAIM. Barriers facing working class students of course include tuition fees and the cost of living while studying, but the research also highlighted issues such as some students not being made to feel that they belong in what are often traditionally middle class, privileged environments which promote a culture which can feel quite inaccessible or alienating. Educating All has called on universities to do more to address the specific barriers faced by working class students and seek better solutions.

Terry Manyeh, researcher at Educating All, said: “It’s a real concern that we’re seeing increasing numbers of working class students dropping out of university, and it’s absolutely vital that universities step up to address this. Our research shows that working class students face real barriers at university and often feel like it isn’t a place for them. It’s up to universities to ensure that all staff are aware of the impact cultural capital has on a student’s chances, that they are communicating effectively and that appropriate support is available. A student burdened with tuition fees and significant other costs has a right to expect their university to offer a level of academic and pastoral support that works for students from all backgrounds, especially less traditional backgrounds.”