OfS data reveal record inequality in UK completion rates

Once again universities are expected to try to address society's ills. There are now too many demands without adequate funding and it then becomes easy to bash us for lack of progress. Disadvantage starts many years before university entrance and the results of any policy will not be apparent for at least ten years. This was the case with teenage pregnancy but such timescales do not fit with the short-term view of politicians.

Unfortunately the data do not show the reasons for failure to complete. It is not clear what proportion dropped out & what proportion failed the course.

Do not expect universities to do the job that the secondary schools should have done.

Lack of tuition fees is one of the reasons why students fail to complete their studies (international students that is). Another is the effects of bereavement, illness and being a long term carer.