WORKING-CLASS students are more worried about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on their university prospects than their wealthier peers, new research published today shows. 

A study of 512 students aged 17-19 by the Sutton Trust revealed that almost half — 48 per cent — fear that the cancellation of A levels will negatively affect their chances of getting into their first choice of university. 

These worries were more prevalent among working-class students (51 per cent) compared with better-off pupils (43 per cent). 

The Sutton Trust claims that these fears are driven by potential caps on university places and changes in how grades will be issued this year. 

Due to the closure of schools, university applicants will be offered places this year through a combination of teacher assessment, coursework and prior attainment.

But research by lecturers’ union UCU shows that high-achieving disadvantaged pupils are more likely to have their predicted grades underestimated. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “This survey appears to confirm fears that it is disadvantaged students who are most likely to lose out under this new system. 

“Research shows that disadvantaged students fare badly when it comes to predicted grades, and they are less likely to be able to put life on hold to delay sitting exams or have access to the tools required to navigate any appeals system.”

The survey also found that just 30 per cent of state school students said that they had received regular work and feedback from teachers during the lockdown period compared with 53 per cent of private-school pupils.

A separate study by the education charity showed that a third of university students are struggling to cope financially during the crisis with a third losing a job, given reduced hours or not been paid since the outbreak. 

Students in universities outside the Russell Group were more likely to have financial concerns. 

These findings follow concerns raised by leaders in the education sector that the lockdown will widen the attainment gap between poor and wealthy students. 

“There are no easy solutions to this unprecedented situation,” Sutton Trust chairman Peter Lampl said. “But what is of utmost importance is that the poorest students don’t lose out.”

The government will outline plans today to provide about £3 billion in financial support to universities with the aim of stabilising admissions and safeguarding students.