There are serious inequalities in participation in post-compulsory education and training related to socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity and other characteristics. Such inequalities are reproduced and exacerbated in higher education. This book is based on a review of research evidence that explores whether these social and familial patterns can be interrupted via educational and other interventions.

The answer lies in taking a radically new lifelong approach, considering changes over time and examining earlier life factors that influence participation - such as family, peer-group and initial education. All these factors help to build the learning trajectory of individuals that leads them to consider HE as a possibility. The impressive results of this review of evidence make this book essential reading for practitioners and policy-makers concerned with widening participation, and for academics.