Disadvantages including race, gender and class play a significant role in shaping student experiences and outcomes in higher education. Challenges persist for disadvantaged students in higher education enrolment, academic attainment, social integration, and post-graduation outcomes. While higher education (HE) institutions are facing economic challenges, it is essential that they continue to provide and improve support for disadvantaged students.

The gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students entering more selective universities has widened to the highest level on record (2024, The Independent)
White graduates had higher employment/further study rates than all other ethnic groups and this gap increased with time since graduation (2024, DfE)
The proportion of students eligible for free school meals at 15 who progressed to higher education fell from 29.2% in 2021/22 to 29% in 2022/23 for the first time (DfE)

Join this one day online conference to hear from university leaders, charity sector professionals, and policymakers on key issues facing disadvantaged students and HE institutions. Key topics will include improving access to HE, reducing dropout rates for disadvantaged students, creating inclusive student communities and strategies for supporting disadvantaged students to ensure success post-graduation.