black-students-universities

The number of Black students getting into top universities has risen by a fifth

4,500 Black students gained places at Russell Group institutions in 2021


More Black students are being accepted onto courses at the UK’s most prestigious universities than ever before.

The number of Black students getting into Russell Group unis is up by a 19 per cent, according to new Ucas data based on the 2021 undergraduate intake. 3,775 Black students gained places at top unis in 2020, in comparison with almost 4,500 in 2021.

In total, 103,010 students were accepted into top universities, up by 11 per cent from the previous year.

The data also revealed that 21 per cent of students on free school meals got onto a university or college course in 2021, which Ucas says is the highest figure on record.

Kevin Gilmartin is the post-16 specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders. He told The Guardian: “We are delighted to see the increase in the numbers of students being accepted at university, including a welcome rise in those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The increases have come despite the whole application cycle taking place during the pandemic, reflecting the tremendous efforts made by school and college leaders and their staff in guiding students through the process.”

The percentage of white students gaining places at top unis also rose sharply, by 12.5 per cent to almost 75,600.

Featured image: Shutterstock / fizkes (Edited)

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