Understanding the Higher Education Landscape: What Percentage of People Go to University in the UK?
The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly common in recent decades, with a growing proportion of individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and knowledge base through university studies. This trend has significantly impacted the professional service landscape within UK universities, as institutions adapt to accommodate the evolving needs and demands of a diverse student population.
In this blog, we explain the percentage of people that go to university in the UK, how that percentage is expected to change in the future and how it impacts the work of professional service leaders and practitioners across the sector.
What Percentage of People go to University in the UK?
According to the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the percentage of 18-year-olds in England entering full-time higher education courses has steadily increased over the past two decades. In 2022, this figure reached 37.5%, representing the second-highest level on record. However, in 2023, the entry rate fell back to 35.8%.
This upward trend over time is partly attributed to the emphasis placed on higher education as a pathway to career advancement and economic stability. In today's competitive job market, a university degree often serves as a prerequisite for securing employment in specialized fields and accessing higher-paying positions.
Will the Percentage of People Going to University in the UK Change in the Future?
The statistics provided by HESA make clear that the percentage of people going to university has grown steadily but began to falter. But what does this suggest for the future of higher education?
There are many variables to consider, but overall we can expect the entry right of 18-year-olds to higher education to remain high. In 2023, UCAS predicted that there could be up to 1 million higher education applicants in a single year by 2030. This would represent a growth of 25,000 applicants today.
And it’s not only demand for university that’s growing, but also the demographic. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) forecasts that there could be nearly 900,000 18-year-olds in the population in 2030, an increase of 180,000 from 2020. This demographic change is expected to lead to a significant increase in the number of students applying to university.
And, as widening participation and access continues to be a central concern across the sector, providers will be seeking to grow their intakes of underrepresented groups.
These factors suggest that the percentage of people attending university to grow. This will mean new challenges and opportunities for those working in higher education institutions across the UK, especially within professional services.
However, it’s also worth bearing in mind other facts which might negatively affect the number of students in higher education including political changes in the UK, the long-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shifting perspectives and aspirations of young people. It will be the role of university professionals to combat these issues and make that clear to prospective students in order to ensure that numbers continue to growth healthily, and contribute to the overall stability of the sector.
The Role of Professional Service Staff as Student Numbers Grow
Professional service staff play a pivotal role in supporting the enrolment and academic success of students within UK universities. Their diverse responsibilities encompass a wide range of functions, including:
Admissions and applications processing
Student registration and enrolment
Financial aid and scholarship administration
Academic advising and counselling
Career guidance and placement services
Student support services, such as mental health services
The expertise and dedication of professional service staff are crucial in ensuring that students receive the necessary guidance and support to navigate the complexities of university life. They act as intermediaries between students and academic departments, providing a vital link that facilitates communication, problem-solving, and overall student satisfaction.
As the percentage of people in university continues to grow, the pressure on staff and the services they provide is likely to increase. Professional service leaders and practitioners across the UK will have to find new ways to support students and ensure they have an excellent experience during their time at university.
Understanding the Implications of Growing Student Numbers for Professional Service Staff
The increasing number of students in UK universities presents both challenges and opportunities for professional service staff. On the one hand, the growing student body demands a corresponding expansion of support services to cater to their diverse needs. This necessitates the recruitment and training of additional staff to effectively manage the workload and maintain a high level of service delivery.
On the other hand, the influx of students presents an opportunity for professional service staff to refine their skills and expertise, adapting to the evolving needs of a diverse student population. This continuous professional development enables them to provide more tailored and effective support, enhancing student satisfaction and overall academic outcomes.
Embracing the Evolving Landscape of Higher Education
So, the percentage of people going to university in the UK is growing. As we outlined in this article, the entry rate among 18-year-olds reached its second highest ever level in 2022 at 37.5%. And with more demand for higher education, a focus on widening participation and an increasing population of young adults, we can expect this growth to continue into the future,
As the pursuit of higher education continues to gain momentum, professional service staff within UK universities play a critical role in shaping the student experience and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By understanding what percentage of people go to university and the implications of these trends, they can develop strategies to effectively contribute to the success of the next generation of graduates.
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