Summary
Around 28,000 full-time and 87,000 part-time students who started first-degree courses in 2004-05 were no longer in higher education a year later. There has been little improvement in student retention since 2001-02, though participation in higher education has increased from around 40% to nearly 43% of 18-30 year olds. Universities have received around £800 million over the last five years to help improve retention and participation.
In this Report, 'Staying the Course: The Retention of Students on Higher Education Courses'
(HC 322), the Committee of Public Accounts examines the progress made in improving student retention rates on higher education courses.
The Committee's findings include:
- There has been no reduction in the variation in retention rates.
- By widening participation in higher education, higher education institutions need to understand the needs of their changing student populations through the use of market research techniques.
- The Higher Education Funding Council for England should agree clear expectations for planned improvements in retention of students and make it part of any improvement plans.
- Only around half of part-time students obtain a qualification within six years and there is no specific framework to encourage improvement.
- Some students feel that academic and pastoral support is limited and does not meet their needs.
- Information on why students withdraw from their courses is not reliable.
- Substantial variations exist between universities in the proportions of students with disabilities that receive the Disabled Student's Allowance.
In it's 2002 Report, 'Improving Student Achievement and Widening Participation in Higher Education in England' (HC 588), the Committee concluded that there was a need for improvement in several areas, including: reducing the wide variation in retention rates; funding to support students from low-income backgrounds; tackling skills gaps; supporting disabled students; and better information.
In it's July 2007 Report, 'Staying the Course: The Retention of Students in Higher Education' (HC 616), the National Audit Office made a number of recommendations regarding the improvement of student retention rates, including the use of early-leaver surveys, more positive student support, and the adoption of good practice from institutions performing well.
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