Emma Chappell, from the University of Southampton, writes for The National Student on a report which shows students from privileged backgrounds overwhelmingly outnumber students from less wealthy backgrounds:

An NUS report has revealed that Scotland is far behind in the race to increase access to university for the poorest students.  

Despite the recent increase in fees, it was suggested that English universities are taking more significant steps to bridge the gap of opportunity between poor and better-off students.

Following the results, the report estimated that it could take up to 40 years to balance the intake of rich and poor students in Scottish universities.

The results testified for the need for dramatic change: in five years Scottish universities only saw a 1% increase in students coming from the most deprived areas.

Full article here.