Fewer Boys Are Applying to Universities Since the Rise in Tuition Fees

The Independent has revealed that boys are more likely to skip university as a result of the rise in tuition fees, according to new research.

The results from the Independent Commission of Fees have shown that the gender gap between working class boys and girls going to university is growing.

Whilst overall acceptance rates among applicants from poorer homes have remained steady. Overall, 112,300 young males (aged 17-19) got a place at university last year, a 1.4 per cent fall on 2010, compared with 135,100 young females (a 0.9 per cent rise).

David Willetts, the University Minister, has demanded white working-class boys to be classified as a target for universities in the same way as ethnic-minority students.

The findings also show that the reduction in applications from boys runs through all social levels, not just the working class, with 6.2 per cent fewer boys from the most advantaged areas applying than girls. There has been speculation that this could be due to growing interest amongst boys in seeking apprenticeships as a route into employment.

If you are a student and would like to improve your essays and dissertations, visit us at Words Worth Reading Ltd to find out about our editorial service. 

Source: The Independent

Image: Univers beeldbank, Flickr