THERE has been a mixed reaction from Penhill residents to figures showing that their ward is one of the least likely in the country to have young adults attending university.

While many feel that Penhill is being unfairly singled out in the figures from education charity Teach First and the Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation, others wonder why, in an age of high tuition fees, children would feel motivated to go to university.

One commenter asked: “Why would many incur a debt of £50,000, some of whom cannot get a decent job after spending four years at university?

"If they are inclined, they would be better off going to a good technical college and getting a qualification that means something, rather than a pointless degree.”

Another said: “There are more important things in life than going to university, and that's getting through life and staying as nearly normal as possible, and Penhill youngsters probably are not interested in going to university mainly because their parents cannot afford it.”

Some, however, thought there was a lack of ambition being shown by residents of the area: “The Victorian working classes who founded the Mechanics’ Institute in order to better their lot in life would be horrified by how some of today’s working classes seem to revel in their own ignorance.

“University isn't for everyone, but I wonder what the technical college uptake was in Penhill prior to compulsory education until 18.”

One commenter, who was among those who felt Penhill was stigmatised, said: “Nice to see the big brush approach being taken to attack Penhill residents and their families… No wonder Penhill residents are sick and tired of the perceived social stigma.”

The figures from Teach First and the Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation showed Penhill as the fifth least likely place from which someone of 18 to 25 would go to university.

Parks was the sixth least likely place, again with 7.6% of 18 to 25-year-olds going on to attend university.

Gorse Hill and Pinehurst was the area which was 54th from the bottom of the table - there 10.5% of 18 to 25-year-olds go on to attend university.