Higher Education Statistics Agency

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is the central source for the collection and publication of higher education statistics in the United Kingdom.

History

It was established in 1993 by the UK higher education institutions.

HESA is a company limited by guarantee — a not-for-profit organisation which also has charitable status — whose members are Universities UK and GuildHE (formerly known as the Standing Conference of Principals).

Structure

HESA is based in Cheltenham in offices on the Promenade, just off the A46. The Chief Executive is Alison Allden, former Deputy Registrar at the University of Bristol

Some of its findings

50% target of participation at university

The British Labour government has an objective that 50% of young people should attend university in an effort to improve social mobility. Other political parties do not share this aim, viewing it as idealistic. In October 2009^[1], HESA found that although student numbers have increased, the social background of those entering has not changed. 50% of the 2009 intake had parents from managerial or professional backgrounds, with only 4% from backgrounds of (working class) routine occupations. No students came from backgrounds of being long-term unemployed.

References

1. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/colleges-told-raise-standards-if-you-want-more-cash-1809140.html HESA study into university participation

External links

• HESA Official Website