White Working Class Males in British Higher Education
5.2
Attitudes to next steps
Across all survey respondents there were a lot of similarities between attitudes to what is important when taking their next step , although some differences between learners from different POLAR3 groups were identified . Both groups were most likely to say they wanted a job that suited their interests and skills , although this was a much bigger motivator for those in lower POLAR3 quintile areas . Respondents from higher HE participation areas were more likely to say they wanted a well-paid job or wanted to provide financial support for their family . They were also more interested in a route that provided them with independence .
Figure 25 : Attitudes to next steps (% selecting each option as important factor in taking their next steps ) by POLAR3 quintile
5.3 Interest in university as an option
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Most survey respondents ( 75 %) were in post-16 education provision and the vast majority of the remainder were still in the compulsory education stage . At the post-16 level respondents were mainly studying within a sixth form college , although 14 % were at a school sixth form and 11 % were studying in FE . Figure 26 shows how the respondents who are currently in education were broken down according to what they would most like to do next . Overall 15 % of those currently in education said they wanted a job next , 11 % wanted employment with training / apprenticeship and 3 % wanted to start a business . Most of the remainder said HE was their preferred choice , indicating a high level of interest amongst the sample .