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<p>There are still under-represented groups who are struggling to access Higher Education
(HE), including white, working-class males.</p><p>Prior attainment is a key determinant
of successful participation in HE. When we account for this, we see reductions in
the gaps between the most and least advantaged groups.</p><p>That is why we are refocusing
the entire access and participation regime to drive up standards throughout the system
– and we are asking universities to take a more direct role in doing this.</p><p>We
are asking universities to raise standards in schools and colleges, offer flexible
and skills-related courses, tackle drop-out rates, and support students throughout
university and graduation into meaningful employment.</p><p>To increase aspiration
and attainment a far greater focus needs to be placed on activities which benefit
students, including summer schools, programmes of intervention in schools and targeted
bursaries to assist with living costs.</p><p>An investment of up to £75 million has
been announced to create a National Scholarship Scheme which will support high achieving
disadvantaged students to reach their full potential.</p>
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