Students at England’s leading universities are more than twice as likely to experience sexual harassment than those at lower-tariff institutions, according to a new analysis by the Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator.
Key Findings
The data, drawn from a national survey of undergraduates, reveals that 35% of students at high-tariff universities—those requiring the highest A-level grades for entry—reported experiencing sexual harassment. This compares with just over 17% at universities with the lowest entry requirements and 26% at medium-tariff institutions.
The analysis also identified hotspots of sexual harassment and sexual assault or violence among students studying courses that demand high entry grades, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, and languages.
Reasons for Variation Unknown
The OfS stated that it did not investigate the reasons behind the significant variation between institution types. The regulator noted: “We observe higher prevalence among students studying at those [institutions] with high tariffs compared with the sector overall … The analysis does not assess the reasons for this variation and should therefore be interpreted with caution.”
High-tariff institutions include the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, many of which have medical schools.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, expressed alarm: “What is especially alarming about this latest analysis is that it shows sexual harassment is more prevalent at higher tariff institutions, which are deemed more prestigious. Perpetrators from these universities are more likely to end up in powerful jobs, risking the reproduction of these toxic cultures. Likewise, it is incredibly worrying that such high levels of sexual harassment were reported in courses like medicine, given this is where the next generation of doctors are being educated.”
Prof Libby Hackett, chief executive of the Russell Group, described the findings as “very troubling.” She stated: “Our universities have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and work to ensure every student and staff member remains safe on campus. Many universities have stepped up these efforts in recent years, with more support and clearer reporting processes – but it’s evident from the data that there is more work to be done. We will be working collectively with the regulator, government, charities and wider local communities to understand the risks for the most vulnerable students, respond to students’ needs, and prevent harassment and violence before they occur to make our universities a safer place.”
Amira Campbell, president of the National Union of Students, said: “I am extremely saddened to see this data that shows just how prevalent sexual misconduct is in higher education … We all need to work together to fight the culture in which sexual harassment and violence thrives.”
Possible Explanations
Experts who spoke to the Guardian said they had not been able to examine the data in detail since its release on Friday. However, they speculated that high-tariff universities may have a higher proportion of young undergraduates living away from home, which could increase their risk of harassment or assault. The survey indeed found that students attending university away from home reported higher exposure to sexual harassment or assault than those attending a local university or studying as distance learners.
The initial findings from the survey of 50,000 final-year undergraduates, published last year, reported that one in three female students experienced sexual harassment, while nearly one in five women experienced sexual assault or violence during their time as a student.
Gender and Disability Disparities
The latest breakdown also showed that women suffered markedly higher rates of harassment or assault than men in all categories. For example, while 3% of men on architecture, building, or planning courses experienced sexual assault or violence, the proportion for women was 20%. Women with disabilities, including mental health disabilities, also reported attacks at higher rates than their peers or male counterparts.
