NEW DATA shows that despite high numbers of black students attending university, black graduates are still facing barriers once they leave higher education.

Analysis from the Social Market Foundation shows that all ethnic groups are less likely to get a first class degree than white students. However, the largest attainment gap is between white and black graduates. Black graduates are 12% less likely to earn a first class degree.

However, black graduates are some of the most likely to be in work or further study following their degree – though they are earning less than their white, Asian and mixed peers.

Just one quarter of black graduates are earning more than £25,000 six months after graduating, and graduates from our community are least likely to be in roles described as graduate roles. In comparison 38% of Asian graduates earn more than £25,000 and 30% of white graduates earn above this figure.

Excluding black graduates, all other ethnic groups are are less likely than their white counterparts to be in work or further study.

Unfortunately, Asian and black graduates were less likely to be in graduate employment, compared to their white counterparts.

The report identifies other important trends. Londoners who leave London to study are more likely to be white and from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.

Almost one quarter who leave the capital city for their studies attended private school – and they are more likely to attend high-rank institutions.

It must be noted that the data only looks at student outcomes six months after they graduate, so does not paint an accurate picture of how students fare over the course of their lives.

You can read the full report, which also has information about how students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and different genders perform at university here.

The research was supported by the Mayor of London.