NEON Research Projects
NEON is at the forefront of supporting the knowledge base in the access to HE field in a number of crucial policy areas.
Research
Universities not for everyone: levelling up and who is missing out on higher education in England (2024)
This report shows disadvantaged students in England face low university participation, often under 25% and below 10% of entrants. Regional disparities are stark, with London ahead, gaps widening, progress uneven, and stronger targeted national and local action needed urgently now.
The outlook for outreach (2021)
This report finds universities plan higher access spending, though growth slows after 2022 and remains below bursaries. Outreach targets mostly post-16 learners despite evidence favouring earlier intervention, with limited pre-16 and collaborative goals. Sustained collaboration, programmes like Uni Connect essential.
Will abolishing BTECs mean reversing widening access to higher education? (2021)
This report examines UCAS data on HE participation from 2011 to 2020 and the findings from a survey of 48 members of the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON). The respondents are drawn from higher education providers (HEP) (including universities and Further Education Colleges) and also Uni-Connect partnerships.
The future of student outcomes (2020)
This report finds that despite rising participation, significant gaps remain in attainment, progression, and employment outcomes. While institutions use inclusive teaching and early interventions, structural challenges persist. It concludes systemic change, investment, better data, and employer engagement are needed to improve equity.
Voices: What next for the National Collaborative Outreach Programme? (2008)
The report highlights NCOP’s success in improving participation, awareness, and partnerships for underrepresented groups through collaborative outreach. It warns ending funding risks losing progress, stressing the need for sustained national investment, earlier intervention, and locally tailored approaches to protect gains.
A student finance national education programme (2019)
The report finds student finance information in England is complex and inconsistent, leaving students and advisers underprepared. It recommends clearer messaging, coordinated support, and integration with careers guidance, emphasising a student lifecycle approach to help learners make informed funding decisions.
Working Class Heroes (2019)
The report finds white students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have low participation and uneven access, with most attending less selective institutions. It calls for systemic change, including clearer targets, better data, sustained outreach, and coordinated national efforts to tackle underlying inequalities.
The financial concerns of students (2018)
The report finds students face confusion and anxiety about higher education costs, especially living expenses and debt. Limited understanding and reliance on informal sources affect decisions. It recommends clearer, personalised information and improved financial support to help students make informed choices.
Does Cost Matter? (2017)
The brief finds rising higher education costs influence student decisions, shaping choices of course, institution, and location. Many prioritise affordability, live at home, or select higher-earning subjects, while increased part-time work and financial pressure affect access, experiences, and outcomes overall.
Does Cost Matter? (2016)
The report shows costs significantly shape student decisions, with limited understanding of loans and debt. Many change courses, institutions, or live at home. Disadvantaged students are more price sensitive, and improved financial information and support are needed to ensure fair access.
Does Cost Matter? (2015)
The report finds costs shape student decisions despite high participation. Many understand fees but lack awareness of maintenance support and debt, especially disadvantaged students. Cost concerns affect choices and work patterns, highlighting the need for clearer information, support, and earlier guidance.
Get involved
NEON is the professional organisation supporting those involved in widening access to higher education at all levels and in all sectors to affect change in their own organisations and communities.