Department for Education delays publication of widening participation statistics

Responding to the Department for Education’s decision to postpone the release of the Widening Participation statistics for 2019-20, Steve Haines, Director of Public Affairs at youth charity Impetus said:

“We’re disappointed to see that the expected statistics on the access gap – the most significant widening participation statistics released all year – are not being treated as a priority by The Department for Education in what is shaping up to be a pivotal year in higher education.

“With post-qualification admissions reform on the table and the response to the Augar Review due in the Autumn, it is essential that we know the current state of play. There  in order to ensure we put fair access at the heart of these reforms

“The latest information on university admissions is important in order to ensure we put fair access at the heart of these reforms.”