A UNIVERSITY has said it is committed to supporting students to come and study at their establishment after it was revealed that the gap between poorer Cumbria students and their more affluent peers attending university has risen.

Data from the Department for Education shows that of 448 students in Cumbria who received free school meals at the age of 15, 47 (10.5 per cent) were at university in 2019-20 – down from 14.4 per cent the year before.

The lead for Access and Participation at the University of Cumbria, Dr Jemma Basham, said they are making efforts to ensure access to higher education is accessible to all.

"From its conception, the University of Cumbria remains committed to supporting students to come to university and thrive here," said Dr Basham.

"Particularly focussing on groups that have great potential but are often excluded.

"These include those who are the first in their family to progress to higher education, those from minority ethnic communities, and people from backgrounds of socioeconomic disadvantage.

"The vast majority, 98 per cent, of our students went to state schools, over 50 per cent are mature students and about 20 per cent have a disability.

"We increase access to higher education through outreach in schools, colleges and the community, offering courses that open up exciting career paths for our graduates.

"We are able to support students personally, professionally and financially to make the most of their time at University.

"Our work in Access and Participation is geared to ensure that every student has a fair chance to fulfil their potential and realise their career goals."

The Sutton Trust said the university access gap across England – which is as large now as it was 14 years ago – is evidence of "stubborn and ingrained inequalities" in the education system.

Of 4,711 other pupils in Cumbria not on free school meals, 37.4 per cent were studying in higher education at the age of 19, which was also down from 37.7 per cent in 2018-19.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Money is not the whole answer, but it is important nonetheless and there has to be more Government investment in early years education, schools and colleges, and in tackling child poverty.”

A Department of Education spokesman said: “Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access a world-class education remains a top priority, and we expect universities to do all they can to help disadvantaged students.”