Brighter Futures Ahead As Record Levels of 18 Year Olds From Dagenham And Rainham Entered Higher Education In 2024.

Research shared with Margaret Mullane, the Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham, by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) shows that a record level of 18 year olds from the constituency entered higher education in 2024. 

48.5% of 18 year olds in Dagenham and Rainhamwent into universities or colleges of higher education in 2024, up from just 28% in 2016 and above the national rate of 36.4%. The four top subjects being studied by the local students are – business studies, computer science, law and accountancy.

Margaret told the Havering Daily: “This is really impressive and points to a really bright future for these students and for Dagenham and Rainham. 

It’s great to see so many local young people going into higher education, and I also want to see more encouragement for vocational training and apprenticeships. These are brilliant gateways to good well paying jobs and strong careers. That’s why I was gave such a welcome to the very recent announcement from the Government on an extra £600 million going into construction skills training courses. 

If Britain’s economy is to grow we need to develop skills in construction and engineering. I want to make sure that our local colleges are able to take advantage of this funding to offer the opportunities to people in Dagenham and Rainham.”

Margaret added “Far too often young people are painted in a very negative way. Whilst as with people of all ages, there will be a small minority who cause trouble. What this research from UCAS shows is that the great majority of young people are setting out to do the right thing. I applaud them and wish them the very best for the future.

This commitment shone through for me at the recent Youth Conference we held in Dagenham. I was so impressed with the attitude, aspiration and ambition demonstrated by the school and college studentsfrom across the whole constituency. There’s no doubt that Dagenham and Rainham has a bright future ahead.” 

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