Case Study: Student was refused access to education scheme as ‘absent’ father had ineligible occupation

Background
Investigation
Outcome

Background

Sarah complained to the Ombudsman after being deemed ineligible for the Higher Education Access Route scheme because of her socio-economic group. The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a higher education admissions scheme for leaving certificate students (under 23) whose economic or social background are underrepresented in higher education. The scheme, overseen by the Irish Universities

Association on behalf of the participating Higher Education Institutions, measures social background based on the applicant’s parents’ or guardians’ occupations and employment status. Sarah’s mother had an ‘approved’ occupation. Her father was unemployed but his last known occupation was not approved, and so Sarah was informed she was not eligible for the scheme. However, Sarah felt this decision was unfair as she had very little contact with her father. She lived with, and was financially supported solely by her mother. Her parents were divorced for a number of years and separated since Sarah was a baby.

Investigation

The terms and conditions of the HEAR scheme provide that applicants could be assessed on the occupation of one parent only in circumstances where they had ‘no contact whatsoever’ with the other parent. This effectively meant that applicants could be assessed on the occupations of parents who may never have had, or who for a long time did not have, an active role in their lives. The Ombudsman considered this position to be unreasonable and unfair. He believed that the guidance was too restrictive and did not reflect the reality of many HEAR applicant’s family situations. The Ombudsman also believed the guidance could potentially disadvantage students from certain backgrounds.

Outcome

The Ombudsman upheld Sarah’s complaint. As Sarah had already commenced her third level studies her situation could not be changed. The ‘socio-economic group’ indicator is in the process of being phased-out as one of the eligibility criteria for the HEAR Scheme. For new applicants entering higher education in 2026, the ‘socio-economic group’ indicator will have been completely removed.