Persistent inequalities continue to shape who enters, progresses through and succeeds in higher education in the UK. Although undergraduate acceptances have risen in 2025, growth remains below expectations, and the divide between disadvantaged students and their peers is still striking. Young people who were eligible for free school meals continue to enter higher education at far lower rates, and access to the most selective universities is even more uneven. At the same time, financial pressures on institutions and students are intensifying, increasing the urgency of creating stable student-centred systems of support.

• Acceptances of UK undergraduate students through UCAS have grown by 3.1 per cent in 2025 compared with the same point in 2024, though this remains below the sector’s forecast growth of 4.1 per cent (Office for Students, 2025)
• Only 28.9% of pupils who were eligible for free school meals at age 15 entered higher education by age 19 in 2023/24 compared to 49% for non-eligible pupils (Department for Education, 2025)
• 4% of disadvantaged pupils progressed to “high tariff” higher-education providers by age 19 below the 15.1% for their peers from more advantaged backgrounds (Department for Education, 2025).

Join us at this one day online conference to explore the latest research, policies and updates shaping equality and access in higher education. Hear from leading organisations and practitioners on widening participation, supporting student wellbeing, improving retention and strengthening routes into higher education across all regions. The conference also offers opportunities to connect with colleagues across the sector and share approaches that help ensure every student can access and benefit from higher education.