Social mobility prospects of non-graduates

The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission (www.gov.uk/smcpc) is inviting proposals for research into the social mobility and life chances of non-graduates. The focus of this research is not those with low, few, or no qualifications.

It is those who have achieved secondary-level education but have not achieved a university degree. It should therefore consider primarily those qualified at or above level 2 (5 A*-C at GCSE-level) but below level 6 (Honours degree).

The purpose of this work is to understand for which groups the ‘non-graduate’ route is leading to positive social outcomes and for which groups it is not. This project has a quantitative element at its core.

This should describe the life chances of different groups of non-graduates across the country on the basis of their characteristics and social background. This should be supported by a succinct review of relevant literature.

Bids will be welcomed that include qualitative elements to ground findings in lived experience. The Commission seeks original, ambitious and robust proposals. Bids will be judged primarily on the proposed approach, expertise of team and value for money.