THE fact that youngsters in the wealthiest parts of Worcester are seven times more likely to go to university than those living in its poorest wards is a sad reflection on our city.

Further education should be available to all and if children from certain areas are being put off from attending college, this is an issue which needs to be addressed.

It is pertinent to ask, however, why this situation has arisen.

Is it because the youngsters from the poorer areas do not want to go into further education? Do they not feel it is right for them?

Or is it because they feel they cannot afford it?

According to teenager Chris Jones, from Warndon, it is down to the quality of education on offer in state schools - both in the buildings and the resources.

The £45m being made available to upgrade and repair Worcestershire's crumbling schools will, then, not come too soon.

Money used to upgrade our schools' infrastructure will be money well spent.

However, lots of children from middle-class homes attend the same schools as those from less well-off families.

These children often go on to achieve their full potential in higher education.

What must be done then to alter the fact that such a small percentage of youngsters from certain city areas attend university or college?

A change is needed in the minds of these youngsters - and their families.

Higher education can be of benefit to everyone, not just those that believe they can afford it.

Whatever your background, college doors are open to you.