Ministers’ student finance eligibility change will disproportionally affect those with Dyslexia
Thursday 24 February 2022
The Government is due to release a response today surrounding the 2018
Augar Review, which looked at post-18 education and funding in England.
A key part of the report will detail how students who do not receive a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths will not be eligible for government-backed loans for tuition or maintenance when applying for higher education.
This will disproportionally affect those living with a learning difference such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia when choosing the next steps after school.
Currently, around 71% of students receive a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths with this falling to 52% for those from a disadvantaged background. However, for those in secondary school learning with Dyslexia, only 35% of students receive grades between 4-9.
We also expect this to affect those who choose to gain a higher education qualification as mature students who gain access to courses via alternative qualifications.
"It is very important due to the cost of going to university that the courses are high quality and equip students with skills to enter employment."
"Creating a blanket rule with set grades required to enter university discriminates against those with dyslexia and dyscalculia. It excludes the strengths they might demonstrate through other forms of assessment."
Gillian Ashley. CEO British Dyslexia Association
If you believe the change in Student Finance England funding will affect you, you can reach out to our helpline here.