Elite universities struggle to attract a mix of students that is broadly representative of society.
Part of the challenge to changing this is understanding the degree to which what and who may influence students’ higher education decision-making and university destination.
Existing research indicates that the advice and support of teachers have a significant impact on student choices and applications to higher education.
Once a young person from a very disadvantaged background, I haven’t always understood exactly how and why going to university could be transformational for the life outcomes of those from backgrounds like my own – my dad a domestic appliance engineer, my mum a stay-at-home parent for six children, living in a cramped council house.
