Students intend to become more open about their sexual orientation and gender identity when they start university, according to a survey.

The study, carried out by UK admissions service Ucas, found that 82 per cent of students who identified as LGBT+ said that they would be open about their sexuality and gender when they entered higher education, compared with 62 per cent who said that they were open at school.

However, a significant minority ¨C 13 per cent ¨C said they were unsure how ¡°out¡± they would be at university.

Of the 3,000 school and college students who identified as LGBT+ surveyed by Ucas, the majority appeared to be looking forward to a positive experience in higher education, with 53 per cent saying that they expected it to be ¡°good¡±, and a further 24 per cent expecting it to be ¡°very good¡±.

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

Ucas overall analysis of UK-domiciled applicants found that more than one in 13 identify as LGBT+, and one in 250 identify as transgender.

The report, a collaboration with the charity Stonewall, showed that the number of individuals who shared information about their LGBT+ identity has increased since Ucas introduced the questions on application forms in 2016, from 29,770 to 41,680 in 2020.

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

It also found that LGBT+ students are more likely to be from disadvantaged areas, with 17 per cent of LGBT+ students coming from the most disadvantaged areas, compared with 13 per cent of those who did not identify as LGBT+.

LGBT+ students were more likely than non-LGBT+ students?to declare a disability ¨C 30 per cent versus 12 per cent respectively ¨C and a mental health condition; 13 per cent versus 2.9 per cent.

Forty-seven per cent of applicants who identify as transgender declared a disability, which includes the 22 per cent who declared a mental health condition.

The findings highlight that those who identify as transgender tend to have ¡°a less positive experience, with these individuals being less likely to be open about their gender identity, more likely to have a mental health condition and achieve lower grades at school or college¡±.

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

¡°These findings indicate that specific attention should be given to this group of students to ensure that their experience is as positive as others,¡± according to the report.

The survey showed that LGBT+ students paid particular attention to support services when researching their choice of university. It found that 31 per cent paid specific attention to LGBT+ services, including mental health support services, with 47 per cent stating they were extremely interested and a similar amount looking at the institution¡¯s reputation for equality and diversity.

It found that 30 per cent were extremely interested in LGBT+ societies and 21 per cent were extremely interested in support networks for LGBT+ students.

Ucas chief executive Clare Marchant said the report highlighted that while significant progress has been made, ¡°there is still work to be done¡± to create an educational environment where LGBT+ students ¡°can feel free to be themselves, and experience education without fear of discrimination or being treated differently¡±.

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

¡°For employers and universities who are meeting this cohort of students for the first time, our report highlights the varying support needs of LGBT+ students, with mental health in particular a prominent concern and a key part of their decision-making process,¡± she said.

anna.mckie@timeshighereducation.com