Background to the Research

• This study is concerned with future patterns of participation in higher education in Northern Ireland. It notes previous research pointing to increasing numbers of students entering higher education overall; as well specific increases among women, students from Catholic schools and students from manual backgrounds. Against this, the proportion of students who leave Northern Ireland to enter higher education elsewhere is increasing - and this group is disproportionately Protestant. There has also been a notable increase in entrants to Northern Ireland universities from outside Northern Ireland
  

Research Approach

1. An assessment of the views of pupils via 27 focus groups involving 230 pupils in the sixth form of 14 grammar and secondary schools.
   
   
2. An assessment of the views of parents via 8 focus groups involving 75 parents of sixth form grammar and secondary schools.
   

Main Findings

• The main reason why such a high proportion of sixth-formers leave Northern Ireland to attend university elsewhere is because of high entry grade levels to the two Northern Ireland universities. A secondary reason is the desire for independence and new experiences.
  
  
• There is nothing in the research findings to suggest that the demand for higher education will diminish.
  
  
• Despite the increased personal cost of higher education (via the move to student loans) there is no evidence that this influences whether or not a student applies to university - though it may encourage students to stay in Northern Ireland.
  
  
• As financial constraints make it more desirable to stay in Northern Ireland and increasing numbers of students apply to the Northern Ireland universities from outside Northern Ireland - grade inflation pressures may increase. Thus the proportion of people obliged to leave Northern Ireland may also increase.
  
  
• It is likely that there will be increased pressures on Catholics from manual backgrounds and a reduction in their participation in higher education. It is also likely that young Protestants will continue to leave Northern Ireland - reducing diversity within the two local universities.