From The Guardian (U.K.):
Poor advice is preventing many academically able pupils from non-privileged homes going to university, a new report has found.
But record applications to Cambridge University suggest that its policies to widen participation are working.
The Sutton Trust charity’s report highlights the “inadequate and inappropriate” careers and education advice state school pupils receive, which means “swathes” of young people with the potential to go to university are missing out.
The findings, presented in the charity’s report to the prime minister’s advisory group, the National Council for Educational Excellence, suggests support and guidance should be targeted at primary school pupils.
All secondary schools should appoint a senior member of staff to provide targeted and up-to-date advice and information about applying to university.