Only 5% of UK medical school entrants are working class, data shows

Students from working class backgrounds still only make up 5% of entrants to medical schools across the UK, a proportion that has doubled over the past decade, analysis has found.

The research, conducted by the Sutton Trust and University College London (UCL), looked at almost 94,000 applicants to UK medical schools between 2012 and 2022, which represent almost half of all UK medical applicants.

The analysis found that although the proportion of medical students from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds had doubled since 2012, they made up only 5% of entrants in 2021.

In comparison, 75% of medical school entrants were from a higher socio-economic background. Socio-economic status was calculated by using the five-level National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) groupings of parental occupation.

Applicants from independent schools across the UK were 1.5 times more likely to receive an offer from a medical school compared with students from non-selective state schools and, even after adjusting statistically for their exam grades, socio-economic status and other demographic factors, independent school applications were still more likely to receive an offer.

The data also showed that a relatively small number of schools and colleges were producing a disproportionately high number of medical students. Eighty per cent of the 2,719 schools or colleges providing medical applicants had fewer than five a year. In comparison, there were 58 schools or colleges, 2% of all institutions, which had an average of 20 or more applicants per year.

Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said the figures were outrageous, especially at a time when the NHS faces a “chronic shortage of doctors and a heavy reliance on overseas recruitment”.

He added: “The medical profession is stretched to breaking point, and urgent action is needed to widen access and create a more diverse pipeline of talent from all parts of society. Patients benefit from doctors who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, but it’s clear that we’re a long way from that today.

“If you have the ability, where you grow up or your parents’ income shouldn’t be a barrier to becoming a doctor. Working-class entry into medicine is in a critical condition. The profession urgently needs a shot of equality.”

Prof Katherine Woolf, professor of medical education research at UCL Medical School, said: “Getting into medical school remains a huge hurdle in any doctor’s career. Despite the many changes medical schools have made over the past decade to improve access to the profession, our research has shown low prior attainment remained a major barrier to many aspiring doctors from the poorest backgrounds.

“Providing enough doctors to meet the country’s needs will require better support for future doctors, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This support is needed at all stages of a doctor’s career: from school, before and during application to medical school, and throughout the many years of medical education and training that are essential to practise as a doctor.”

A government spokesperson said: “While we inherited an education system with a number of baked-in inequalities, our ambitious plan for change sets out our clear mission to break the link between background and success.

“We will act to address the persistent gaps for different student groups and to break down the barriers to opportunity.

“This Government is committed to growing our own homegrown talent, and training thousands more doctors. We will work with partners including NHS England and the university sector to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to study medicine – regardless of their background.”