Definitions of socioeconomic groups Demographic data about socioeconomic status was collected via a question about the occupation of the chief income earner in the respondents’ parental household. Responses were as below and were subsequently grouped using the NRS Social Grade system. The percentage of applicants who fell in each category is shown below, compared to the most recent NRS population percentages dating back to 2016 - which have stayed consistent since the Ipsos 2008 frequency and are expected to be consistent in 2024. Chief income earner’s occupation Social grade Frequency in 2016 - NRS Frequency in the Applicant Index responses Professional / higher managerial (e.g. doctor, lawyer, chairperson or managing director of medium or large firm) A 4% 18% Manager / senior administrator (e.g. senior manager, owner of small business, head teacher) B 23% 26% Supervisor / clerical / skilled non- manual (e.g. teacher, secretary, junior manager, police constable) C1 28% 21% Skilled manual worker (e.g. firefighter, plumber, electrician, hairdresser) C2 20% 15% Semi-skilled / unskilled manual worker (e.g. assembler, postal worker, shop assistant) D 15% 10% Receiving state benefits for sickness, unemployment, old age or any other reason E 10% 4% Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 43 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS BACK TO CONTENTS METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES