Union slams university intake figures

figures showing that only a fraction of students at some of Scotland’s top universities come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been branded “shocking”.

Edinburgh University recruited just 91 Scottish students from deprived areas in 2010/11, according to statistics obtained by the National Union of Students (NUS) in Scotland.

St Andrews University, meanwhile, recruited just 13, or 2.7 per cent of its Scottish intake last year.

Robin Parker, president of NUS Scotland, said the figures should act as a “wake-up call”.

He said: “These statistics are shocking. University places should be given to those that have the most talent and potential.

“Unless institutions do more to widen access, they’re missing out on some of those with the most potential.”