With the barest of mentions in the above report, now about to drop off the page after less than 24 hours and not a word in the press front pages, this highly significant news is being omitted because it tells the wrong story for those who cannot see Scotland thrive.
From the Scottish Government, popping into the inboxes of every journalist in the country yesterday at 11am yesterday, ignored then and now, this:
The total number of 18-year-olds in Scotland who have secured a place at university this year has increased to 17,920 – a record high for Scottish students on exam results day, up from 17,350 the previous year.
This includes a record high in 18-year-olds from Scotland’s most deprived areas securing places at university, up by almost 7% to 2,090 – the highest on record for this stage in the cycle.
Full text at: https://www.gov.scot/news/record-university-places-for-scots-students/
The UCAS-based figure for the most derived is incomplete as a measure of overall higher-education (HE) participation, and including college-based HE would raise the total (and likely the share from the most deprived areas).
A substantial portion of full-time undergraduate HE—around one third of young full-time undergraduate study—is delivered in further education (FE) colleges and is not captured in the standard UCAS application/acceptance figures. These college routes mainly involve Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), which are recognised HE qualifications (SCQF levels 7–8). Many students later articulate into university degrees (often with advanced standing into year 2 or 3).
When HE in both colleges and universities is counted together, the overall share of entrants from the most deprived areas is higher than university-only figures (e.g., around 19% in some recent combined data versus lower university-only proportions). https://www.gov.scot/publications/commissioner-fair-access-annual-report-2025-26/pages/7/
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A good news story, yes, but there is a problem at “the other end”, which I appreciate is not for this blog.
Because universities have increased admissions, the value of a baseline credential has eroded.
The Economist and others point out that the premium gap—how much more a degree holder makes over a school leaver—has sharply narrowed.
They also report that more than half of the population no longer believes a traditional three- or four-year degree delivers a positive financial return on the time and tuition invested.
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Is this borne out by stats? I know it’s widely believed but it would be useful to have the figures and I have no idea where to start to begin – which is why I come here!
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The “stats” are generally UK or US rather than Scotland-specific.
There are very recent reports in both the FT and The Economist, behind paywalls, of growing graduate unemployment.
“Graduate job postings are around 7 per cent lower than a year ago and at their lowest level for this point in the year since 2020, while summer job postings have fallen to a four-year low, limiting opportunities for students and school leavers.”
Source: Indeed, who as a recruitment provider may be slightly biased to promote their own business.
Graduate unemployment in Scotland is low compared to the rest of the UK, with roughly 4% to 5% of recent university leavers reporting unemployment according to Universities Scotland, whose membership is higher education institutions.
And, yes, UK Government stats say student debt in Scotland (under the Plan 4 system) is significantly lower, averaging just under £18,000,
than in England, where average graduate debt exceeds £53,000, even with higher tuition fee caps of up to £9,250 a year but much larger “maintenance” loans.
In contrast, as we know, Scottish domiciled students studying in Scotland do not pay tuition fees, meaning their borrowing is restricted to living-cost maintenance loans.
Not doom and gloom on my part, but perhaps a dose of realism.
Sadly apprenticeships are also harder to obtain, despite growing evidence (but largely anecdotal) that those learning a trade can earn more than many graduates who have yet to demonstrate their potential.
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Thx for reply. I know Robert Gordon University has high graduate recruitment rates. That may be because they provide placements and support. From AI:
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The universities and other higher education institutions in Scotland do a great job, as I’m sure Professor Robertson will attest.
One of our daughters did her first degree at RGU (she’s now a GP), so
I was pleased you highlighted their example.
Graduate unemployment may seem small, but it may be underreported, and I prefer to look at the quality and quantity of jobs for both graduates and apprentices.
The numbers of un(der)employed seem to me to be growing, even if the proportions still seem modest.
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Apprenticeships in Scotland. From a Google Searcch
Quote
“Since the formation of the national skills agency in 2008, more than 400,000 apprenticeship jobs have been supported and funded by the Scottish Government. [1, 2]
Annual funding targets support tens of thousands of participants across three main pathways:
In total, ongoing investments of approximately £198 million support around 39,000 to 40,000+ apprentices actively in training at any given time. You can explore these statistics further on the Scottish Apprenticeships portal. [1, 2]”
End Quote
Also helps the apprentices that they qualify for a free bus pass which will help with the cost of getting to their work and to College
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Mr Doom and Gloom alive and kicking I see.
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You are talking about England where students leave university with huge debts. Professor Robertson OBA is telling us about Scotland where tuition fees have been abolished by the SNP government.
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The BBC ‘Scotland’ coverage, while reporting the increase and the narrowing of the ‘gap’, also has a section showing that ‘Private schools outperform local authority schools’ and that East Renfrewshire is the highest performing local authority area.
It also has interactive maps of Council areas. The lowest performing council area is Moray, but the article makes no mention of this. Moray has a minority Conservative administration.
As you point out none of the media present the information that more young Scots are entering higher education.
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