STUDENTS from poorer backgrounds are being put off higher education because of the cost, poor advice and the lack of jobs, according to a new report.

Polling analysis released as part of a report by the University and College Union (UCU) found students’ social class, gender and age all affected their willingness to go on to study at university.

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The union has called for an overhaul of advice and guidance given to youngsters following the report, which looked at young people’s perceptions of post-18 training and education.

The UCU’s general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “Worryingly, class, gender and schooling still play far too large a part in whether or not young people even consider university, with boys from state schools and the poorest economic backgrounds faring worst.

“If everyone is to benefit, young people need to be persuaded that continuing in education is a viable option.

“Young people should have access to high-quality independent advice on their future, irrespective of gender, background, or the type of school they attend.

“For too many young people, university remains an alien prospect.

“Teachers do a fantastic job, but we want to see a comprehensive package that includes national careers advice for all and taxpayer support for an expansion of outreach work in the community by universities and colleges.”

Privately-educated children are more than twice as likely to want to go to university, the report said, and boys are significantly less likely to want to go than girls.

Hyndburn and Haslingden’s Labour MP Graham Jones said: “One of the big issues is the forgotten 50 per cent, which [Labour leader] Ed Miliband has spoken about.

“For too long, we have not paid enough attention to the opportunities that those at the bottom are missing out on.”

Labour has pledged to introduce a new qualification – the Technical Baccalaureate – for 14 to 18 year olds who don’t plan to study at university.

Ed Miliband said it would meet the needs of those he called the ‘forgotten 50 per cent’.

Mr Jones added: “Better careers advice and personal mentoring for those who are vulnerable is important.”