Widening participation addresses the large discrepancies in the take-up of higher education opportunities between different social groups. Under-represented groups include those from lower socio-economic classes, from neighbourhoods where fewer than average people attend university and those on lower incomes. Other groups that are significantly underrepresented in higher education are looked after young people and young carers.
Since 1997 the issue of widening participation has been high on the agenda of the government. The Labour Government focused on increasing participation with the aim of 50% of young people progressing to higher education. The current government has shifted the focus towards access to selective institutions. As part of the new fee regime universities charging over £6000 are required to submit an Access Agreement to the Office for Fair Access. In the Access agreements universities and colleges set out their tuition fee limit and the access measures they intend to put in place for example outreach work and financial support. The University of Sussex Access Agreement for 2012-2013 [PDF].