University entry and the class of 2021: who is set to miss out

This report examines how students from different ethnic and lower socio-economic backgrounds entering higher education in 2021 may have their progression affected by the 'learning loss' associated with [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19. It looks primarily at the entry qualification profiles of students from London by background and calculates what the impact on participation may be if students achieve lower A-level grades because of the learning loss associated by COVID-19. It then uses the data for London students to extrapolate potential national progression scenarios. It shows that...  [+] Show more

This report examines how students from different ethnic and lower socio-economic backgrounds entering higher education in 2021 may have their progression affected by the 'learning loss' associated with [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19. It looks primarily at the entry qualification profiles of students from London by background and calculates what the impact on participation may be if students achieve lower A-level grades because of the learning loss associated by COVID-19. It then uses the data for London students to extrapolate potential national progression scenarios. It shows that as with the impact of COVID-19 on the health and educational achievement, those from lower socio-economic and [Black, Asian and minority ethnic] BAME backgrounds experience greater disadvantage. The data analysed in this report covers A-Level applicants domiciled in London aged 18-24 covering the period 2015-16 to 2019-20. It models the potential impact of learning loss in terms of a lowering of achievement of one grade.

Excerpt from publication.