Local MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed new figures showing a near record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived communities are entering university including 260 in North Ayrshire.
According to the latest data from the Scottish Funding Council, the number of students from SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) 0-20 areas attending university have made significant strides.
This milestone reflects the SNP’s longstanding commitment to widening access and removing financial barriers to education. Since coming to power, the SNP has abolished tuition fees and maintained its pledge that access to education should be based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay. According to a recent poll, the majority of Scots are in favour of this.
Unlike elsewhere in the UK, tuition remains free for Scottish students. Targeted support, including bursaries, outreach programmes and the work of the Scottish Funding Council, are ensuring that young people from all walks of life can achieve a world-class university education.
Commenting, Ruth Maguire MSP said:
“I welcome the news that 260 students from deprived areas in North Ayrshire entered university in 2023/24.
“This is a clear demonstration that the SNP’s efforts to make higher education accessible to all are working.
“History has shown that the Labour party cannot be trusted on tuition fees. Whether in Scotland, England or Wales – fees have gone up under Labour governments.
“The SNP are breaking down the barriers that have held too many talented young people back, and figures show that Scots support these efforts. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their background, and under the SNP, that principle is becoming a reality”.
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 