Somerset students less likely to go to apply to university according to Ucas figures

Data from admissions service UCAS shows the South West had the lowest amount of 18-year-olds applying for university in January.

The Bridgwater and West Somerset district was in the bottom 10 per cent, with 26.1 per cent of 18-year-olds applying in 2017.  The average for the South West was 32 per cent, compared to the highest, London, where the application rate stood at 47 per cent.  Students in Somerset have a range of options including apprenticeships, taking part in higher education (HE) degrees at a college, or attending university.

The closest universities available to students in Somerset are Exeter University, Bristol University, the University of the West of England and two universities in Bath.

A spokesman from Somerset County Council said: “A significant number of Somerset students who have completed their A level studies, access higher education courses through the four colleges available within the county.

“In addition, the growing opportunities for apprentices to undertake degrees – as part of their higher and degree level apprenticeship programmes, means that learners who have studied either academic or vocational post-16 routes would benefit hugely from a Somerset University opportunity; working closely with employers to ensure relevant courses and links to future employment.

“The Somerset County Plan recognises that there are also students in and out of Somerset who would benefit from a more typical university experience.

“We are working closely with various partners to develop an ambitious project capturing the diversity of aspiration.”

Fifty-nine local authority areas were ranked in the lowest 10 per cent, with Bridgwater and West Somerset placed at number 56. 

Mike Robbins, principal at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Mike Robbins, principal at Bridgwater and Taunton College, said: “Although there are more than 1,500 students studying HE courses in Somerset’s colleges, part of the reason the take up in Somerset is lower than other parts of the country is because of its relatively low profile in the county and the lack of opportunities available locally.

“For that reason we will be looking to establish a University Centre from September, which will be led by demand in the region by employers and would be focussed on more flexible foundation degrees and full honours degrees which meet the higher level skills required by employers in the region.

“Many of the courses offered at the University Centre will be in the form of degree apprenticeships, where people will already be employed and will undertake their degree programmes through both work-based and university centre based training.

“We anticipate that the University Centre will raise the profile of HE in Somerset, increase take up of higher education in the county, and help with economic generation by supporting employers and attracting young people into the county to meet employers’ recruitment needs.”

Students that are 18 years old might be exploring options other than university for a variety of reasons, including the cost of living at university and wanting to take gap years.

Richard Jones, careers and higher education coordinator at Richard Huish College, said: “We have no trouble encouraging students to go to university.

“Perhaps it is a bigger decision now, but there is still a hunger and an appetite for going.

“Students have to think more carefully about the level of debt.

“Although it is a ‘good’ debt that works more like a tax, students will worry about paying it off and wonder if it is worth the investment.

“Another factor is that more students are taking gap years, historically they never did. Pupils will now take the year to save money or go travelling before they go to university.

“We definitely encourage gap years in the more competitive subjects like medicine.

“Applying to university takes preparation for interviews, admissions tests and work placements, and that can take away from their studies.

“Students are also undertaking practical skills in apprenticeships.

“We find there will be a mid-term drop out of A-levels, but those students then take up apprenticeships, it is all under one roof.

“The landscape of offers is a bit more vast.

“The cost of living when you’re at university can be high, the money is all loans now, and some students can’t rely on part-time work of their parents. Their loan might only cover their accommodation. This is the first time that students can actually say that they can’t afford to go.”

In terms of a University of Somerset idea, Mr Jones says that higher education degrees are already offered through the different colleges, and if the university idea is going to be an extension of local colleges, then that is already happening.

Although figures for the South West are low, the Department for Education says the rate of 18-year-olds and poorer youngsters applying for university is at a record high.

A spokesman said: “The reforms we are bringing in through the Higher Education and Research Bill will mean even more people can benefit from a university education.

“As well as placing a duty on the Office for Students to ensure institutions do more to attract students from every background, we have also invested £120 million in the National Collaborative Outreach Programme to help young people get the opportunity they deserve to study at university.”