Students attending England’s most selective universities are more than twice as likely to experience sexual harassment compared with those studying at lower-entry institutions, according to new analysis by the Office for Students.
The findings, based on a national survey of undergraduate students, revealed that 35 percent of students at “high tariff” universities reported experiencing sexual harassment during their studies. In comparison, just over 17 percent of students at universities with the lowest entry requirements reported similar experiences, while the figure stood at 26 percent for “medium tariff” institutions.
High tariff universities typically include members of the Russell Group, which are known for demanding higher A-level grades and often include leading research and medical institutions.
The analysis also identified higher levels of sexual harassment and sexual violence among students enrolled on competitive degree courses such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, and modern languages.
The Office for Students stressed that the research did not investigate the reasons behind the differences between institutions, cautioning against drawing direct conclusions.
The regulator said: “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.”
Jo Grady described the findings as deeply concerning, particularly given the influence many graduates from elite universities later hold in society.
She said: “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.”
Libby Hackett said the scale of sexual misconduct reported by students was “very troubling”.
“Our universities have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and work to ensure every student and staff member remains safe on campus,” she said.
Hackett added that universities had strengthened support services and reporting procedures in recent years but acknowledged that significant work still needs to be done to improve student safety.
The survey found that women experienced significantly higher rates of sexual harassment and assault than men across all course categories.
For example, among students studying architecture, building, or planning, 20 percent of women reported experiencing sexual assault or violence, compared with 3 percent of men.
Women with disabilities, including mental health conditions, also reported substantially higher levels of abuse and harassment than both male students and non-disabled peers.
Experts reviewing the findings suggested that higher rates at prestigious universities may partly reflect the demographics of their student populations.
Students attending university away from home were found to face greater exposure to harassment and assault compared with those living locally or studying remotely.
The broader survey of 50,000 final-year undergraduates, first published last year, found that one in three female students experienced sexual harassment during university, while nearly one in five women reported experiencing sexual assault or violence.
Amira Campbell said the figures highlighted the urgent need for action across the higher education sector.
“I am extremely saddened to see this data that shows just how prevalent sexual misconduct is in higher education,” she said. “We all need to work together to fight the culture in which sexual harassment and violence thrives.”