How many young people in England go to university?

In the United Kingdom, university participation rates have increased significantly over the past few decades, with a higher proportion of young people choosing to pursue higher education. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), in the academic year 2021/22, there were approximately 1.8 million full-time undergraduate students studying at universities in England. This represents around 50% of all 18-year-olds in England.

It's important to note that these figures include both domestic (UK-based) and international students. The proportion of students from different backgrounds and socioeconomic groups attending university in England may also vary.