IDENTIFYING THE BARRIERS TO HIGHER EDUCATION PARTICIPATION. ESRI Research Bulletin 2010/1/5

McCoy, Selina and Byrne, Delma (2010) IDENTIFYING THE BARRIERS TO HIGHER EDUCATION PARTICIPATION. ESRI Research Bulletin 2010/1/5. UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

As economic circumstances remain difficult and CAO applications reach record numbers, there has been renewed focus on higher education. In part this reflects the severe deterioration in labour market opportunities for young people, particularly in relation to apprenticeships. Postponement of labour market entry among school leavers more generally and growing numbers of (young) adults returning to college to improve their skills also play a role. In this context, identifying the potential barriers young people face in gaining entry to college is of central importance. Furthermore, identifying barriers to higher education participation is of great policy relevance given the impact of third level education on life chances. A recent study† focuses on a group which has not shared in the general trend towards increased third-level participation – the “lower non-manual” group. This group largely comprises lower level service workers (such as chefs, bus drivers, hairdressers) and accounts for just under 10 per cent of the population. It has not been previously identified as ‘disadvantaged’ in terms of educational participation, but the study shows that young people from this socio-economic group are poorly placed in terms of college participation and are also the only social group to have seen a fall in levels of college entry over time. The study analysed the factors shaping entry or non-entry to college, using a combined analysis of 10 years of School Leavers’ Survey data and in-depth life-history interviews with school leavers whose parent(s) were employed in such non-manual jobs.

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