Hodge: call to widen access

The government has warned universities that they must widen access to higher education.

The intervention comes as new figures are released which reveal that many universities are failing to attract working class students.

The number of pupils entering higher education from the state school sector has increased by just one per cent, the data reveals.

The survey finds that just one in four pupils from working class backgrounds are choosing to go to university.

Higher education minister Margaret Hodge says much more must be done to ensure that universities better reflect the country as a whole.

"Clearly some of our brightest students from our poorest neighbourhoods and state schools do not have the opportunity that they deserve," she said.

"Our best universities need to get out more and hunt out potential in their local communities".

But the data will re-open the debate about the government's higher education policy.

Critics say that tuition fees, and the possible introduction of top-up fees, are a major barrier to widening access to higher education.

A recent survey revealed that many would-be students from poorer backgrounds were put off university by the prospect of a major debt burden.

But Universities UK, the body which represents the higher education sector, said the figures proved that universities were continuing to perform despite an acute shortage of cash.

"That the sector has maintained performance levels in spite of severe financial constraints and ongoing insecurity is a considerable achievement," said UUK chief executive Diana Warwick.