Why is it necessary?

People from backgrounds that have a low socio-economic status (SES) are significantly under-represented in Australian higher education.

They face a number of barriers in reaching tertiary study. These include low levels of academic achievement and aspiration and low secondary school completion rates.

Nevertheless, students from low SES urban areas that do enrol at university have similar patterns of retention and success as those from other backgrounds.

The Participation and Equity Review commissioned by Universities Australia in 2008 identified multiple ways to address these barriers. These included:

• direct work with underrepresented schools
• activities to support school retention
• programs to raise awareness of higher education
• alternative pathways to tertiary study
• financial support and other incentives, such as scholarships
• first-year transition programs.

There is considerable evidence that shows people formulate their aspirations early in life and that family experience of higher education is a key factor in influencing attitudes. This is why Compass will engage with students, and the people who influence them, early in their schooling, with contact continuing throughout their school career.