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<p>Widening access and participation in higher education (HE) is a priority for this
government. This means that everyone with the capability to succeed in HE should have
the opportunity, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or where they
grew up.</p><p> </p><p>The Office for Students (as the regulator for higher education
in England) has a duty to promote equality of opportunity in relation to access and
participation in HE and we expect to see further progress, particularly amongst the
most selective institutions.</p><p> </p><p>Overall numbers of students studying science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are rising. The share of students studying
science subjects at English HE providers has increased from 41% in 2010/11 to 45%
in 2016/17.</p><p> </p><p>Despite rising STEM student numbers, we are far from complacent.
The Department for Education is committed to tackling the gender imbalance in STEM
subjects, and has invested in programmes to address female participation, particularly
in subjects like computing and physics. This includes the Stimulating Physics Network
which has a specific strand focusing on increasing the number of girls studying physics
A level. A Gender Balance in Computing Pilot Programme will be launched this year
to identify practical interventions that schools can implement to improve girls’ participation
in computing.</p><p> </p><p>They are also funding a new £84 million programme to improve
computing teaching and participation, and the Advanced Maths Premium which aims to
support schools and colleges in tackling some of the financial barriers to increase
participation in post-16 maths.</p><p> </p><p>The department is improving careers
advice in schools so that young people are aware of the high quality options available
for both technical and academic routes into STEM and that they have access to information
about the variety of careers that STEM pathways have to offer. STEM activities, including
employer talks and work visits, are built into school career programmes and the Careers
& Enterprise Company funds opportunities for young people to meet a wide range
of STEM employers.</p><p> </p>
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