Transposing the Social Mobility Index to Scottish Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of University Contributions to Social Advancement

This study explores the role of higher education in advancing social mobility within Scotland, employing a comparative analysis with the English Social Mobility Index (SMI) to assess the efficacy of Scottish universities in this regard. Recognising the unique socio-economic and educational landscape of Scotland, the research adapts the SMI methodology, originally developed in England, to the Scottish context. It examines three key metrics – access, continuation, and graduate outcomes – to gauge universities' contributions to facilitating upward social mobility for individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds.The findings reveal significant efforts by Scottish universities to widen access and support diverse student cohorts, with institutions like the University of the West of Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian University leading in these efforts. However, disparities in continuation rates and graduate salaries indicate challenges in ensuring that widened access translates into substantive social mobility gains. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach that addresses the entire educational journey of students, from entry through to employment, and underscores the need for targeted interventions that specifically cater to the barriers faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds