Key target to tackle disadvantage in higher education achieved two years early 

Further and higher education minister James Lawless: 'Real progress is being made in opening up higher education to those who have traditionally been underrepresented.' File picture: Brian Lawless/PA

A key national target aimed at making access to higher education more equitable for students has been achieved two years early. 

Disabled students now make up more than 16% of new entrants to higher education, a target the National Access Plan set out to achieve by 2028.