Publication July 2025

Single Parents and Higher Education: Barriers to access and recommendations for change

Commissioned by The Robertson Trust, this report explores the barriers faced by single parents (SP) in accessing higher education (HE) and offers targeted recommendations to improve inclusivity and support. This research by One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS), through consulting single parents, outlines the financial, structural, and emotional challenges encountered by single parents and highlights necessary policy and institutional reforms.