2005b) From life crisis to lifelong learning: rethinking working-class ‘drop out’ from higher education (York, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

University was traditionally considered a ladder out of poverty for young working class people; this report explores why so many are climbing down that ladder and ‘dropping out’. ‘Drop out ’ is seen as a threat to the government’s widening participation policy and to its social justice agenda. It is commonly portrayed as a life disaster for the students themselves. This is the first report to explore ‘drop out ’ in England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland and gain a qualitative picture of its meanings and implications. The report covers ‘drop out ’ amongst young working class people under 25 from four post-1992 universities in disadvantaged provincial areas. It analyses what students, lecturers, student support staff, employers, employment agencies and community representatives think are the causes and impacts of ‘drop out’. The stories of 67 students who have ‘dropped out ’ are explored. Careers, employment agencies and admissions staff are questioned to measure the levels of support and flexibility that exist. Drawing on commissioned international reports and a colloquium with policy makers and practitioners, it outlines a flexible university system which would accommodate withdrawal and re-entry, instead of the rigid model that now exists in the UK. The research was notable for its participative methodology, in particular the Research Jury days which allowed ‘drop out ’ to be seen in a radically different way. A significant finding is that students who ‘drop out ’ want to return to education in future and need a flexible system that accommodates this. They are the real lifelong learners: policy makers and institutions have yet to catch up with them. The report will interest all those involved in higher education policy and practice, careers and employment services and those concerned with poverty and social class. This publication can be provided in alternative formats, such as large print, Braille, audiotape and on disk. Please contact