Fewer pupils in regions 'applying for university'

Only 29% of 18 year olds in north-east England were accepted on university courses last year

A town had the lowest number of 18 year olds accepted on a university degree course last year, Ucas figures have revealed.

In Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, just 13% got places compared to 29% of 18 year olds across north-east England. The figure was 51% in London.

The charity IntoUniversity said the UK was missing out on "amazing talent" because fewer people from some regions were applying to university.

The government has said it is "absolutely determined" to close the admissions gap.

Last year Wimbledon had the highest acceptance rate in the country with 70% of 18 year olds receiving a university offer.

The charity supports schoolchildren from disadvantaged backgrounds with their studies and future choices.

Kenza Benamar, leader of its Newcastle centre, said: "There’s a disparity between students in the North East and students in London and what that means is those students aren’t able to access the diverse range of opportunities available to them."

Inês believes students often have to make their own opportunities outside of school

Student Inês, who uses the centre, said she wants to study music at university in the US, but said the cost would be a "challenge."

She said she thought fewer people from the area go to university because "school doesn't really give us opportunities".

She said pupils had to "give themselves opportunities" by joining clubs and activities outside of school.

When asked about the gap in higher education rates between different areas last month, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was "absolutely determined to turn that around".