London calling

Youngsters from the capital are not only the most likely to go to university, they are also the fastest growing group of students.

Data from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, released today, show participation rates for young people have increased fastest in the UK capital.

In 1998-99 some 35 per cent of 18-year-olds from London entered higher education. In 2011-12 the figure was an estimated 48 per cent. It is the highest rate of any region and represents the largest rise over that period.