Rise in university drop-out rates

Figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that the dropout rate for first-year students continues to rise. England had the highest non-continuation rate at 6.9%, up from 6.5% in 2014-15. In both Wales and Scotland the rate was 6.1%, each lower than in 2014-15. Among mainstream universities, a number had non-continuation rates of between 15% and 26%, with Bedfordshire and London Metropolitan having amongst the worst dropout rates and the Courtauld Institute of Art the best (0). 

Michelle Donelan, the universities minister for England, said: “With high numbers of students continuing to drop out, this data shows progress is slow from some institutions to tackle the issue. I want universities to step up and take action as we cannot let these students down and let talent go to waste.”