“Considerations of economic and social justice both
argue for ensuring that the opportunity to enter higher education
should be open to anyone who has the potential to benefit from it,
regardless of background. Universities’ need to identify, encourage,
admit and support to graduation all those who have the potential to
succeed. Fair access to university is integral to the Government’s
programme of expansion of higher education, and to its commitment
to high standards of university research and teaching.”
(Widening Participation in Higher Education, DfES, April
2003)