LOCAL MSP COLIN BEATTIE: FREE TUITION DRIVING RECORD UNIVERSITY ENTRIES FROM DEPRIVED AREAS

MSP WELCOMES RECORD NUMBER OF 18-YEAR-OLDS SECURING UNI PLACE
 
MSP for Midlothian North, Colin Beattie, has hailed new figures that show a record number of 18-year-olds securing a place at university.
 
UCAS figures reveal the number increased to 17,920 – a record high for Scottish students on exam results day, up from 17,350 the previous year.
 
Importantly, this includes a record high number of 18-year-olds from Scotland’s most deprived areas, up by almost 7% to 2,090. Overall acceptances to university – by Scots of all ages – has reached 32,370.
 
The data highlights the positive impact of the SNP’s longstanding commitment to free tuition and widening access.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“This is fantastic news for young people in Midlothian North and across Scotland. A record number of 18-year-olds securing a place at university is testament to their hard work and the support of their families and teachers.
 
“It is particularly welcome that record numbers of young people from Scotland’s most deprived areas have fulfilled their ambition to go to university.
 
“At a time when students in other parts of the UK face eyewatering levels of debt, the SNP’s continued commitment to free tuition is opening opportunities for young people here in Midlothian North.
 
“Exam results this week show that poverty related attainment gap has narrowed thanks to the SNP government investing £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade.
 
“Of course, university isn’t the right choice for everyone and that’s why it is so welcome to see record a record number of vocational and technical qualifications being achieved by students this year.
 
“The SNP will always be committed to ensuring that access to education is based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay, and that the opportunity of a university education is available to everyone.”
 
ENDS