ADR Wales presents research on equality within the Welsh tertiary education system

The ADR Wales Skills and Employability research team has presented key findings on equality within tertiary education in Wales, at an event hosted by the Wales Centre for Public Policy at Cardiff University. This research, led by ADR Wales researchers Dr Katy Huxley and Rhys Davies, is part of a project commissioned by the Welsh Government to inform the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (Medr).

Linking data from the Census 2011 in Wales for the first time to education datasets, the ADR Wales team explored which groups are underrepresented in the Welsh tertiary education system. Their analysis revealed significant inequalities based on socio-economic background, gender, ethnicity, disability, and Welsh language ability. For instance, individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to progress into tertiary education, and when they do, they often take vocational pathways with lower levels of attainment. In addition, Welsh speakers were more likely to pursue academic qualifications in sixth form or further education.

Dr Katy Huxley emphasised that deprivation and personal characteristics still heavily influence access to education and the type of qualifications individuals pursue.

This research aims to support Medr’s mission to address these disparities and promote equality of opportunity across Wales.

Read the full report.

This article has been abridged. The full article can be read on the ADR Wales website.