UK's 10 Universities with the Highest Dropout Rates
Sometimes people arrive at university and realise it isn’t for them, perhaps this is you? If so, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students decide to dropout of university.
In 2023, dropout rates reached their highest levels to date in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a 28% rise over five years. The numbers rose from 32,491 in 2018-19, to 41,630 in 2022-23, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
This data has been take from The Guardian's University Guide 2025.
Continuation rate = the number of first year students who progress to their second year.
St Mary’s, Twickenham
Sitting at number 10 is the Twickenham based university, which has a continuation rate of 84.3%. The university is known for its community-focused atmosphere, and offers a range of courses related to education, sport, theology and beyond. With this continuation rate, it means 15.7% of students dropout after year one.
University of Buckingham
The university sits at number 9, with a continuation rate of 84.2%. The university, which is based in High Wycombe, is known for its career-oriented courses in business, health, and the creative industries. It is also the oldest private university in the UK, dating back to 1893. It has a dropout rate of 15.8%.
University of Wales, Trinity Saint David
With campuses across Wales, in Newport, Cardiff, and Swansea, the university also focuses on employability, and entrepreneurship. Similar to the previous two universities, the USW has a dropout rate of 15.9%.
London Metropolitan University
Situated in the heart of London, the university has a 83.8% continuation rate, meaning 16.2% of its first year students don’t progress. With its location, the university has strong links to industries in the capital, and offers a diverse range of courses.
Interestingly, Debut Careers found the university to have a dropout rate of 18.6% (one in 5), making it the highest in their study.
University of Bolton
The first Northern England university to feature can be found in Greater Manchester. The university is known for its vocational programmes, with 16.1% of students dropping out each year.
University of Wolverhampton
Next is University of Wolverhampton, which has a continuation rate of 82.9%. The institution which dates back to 1827 sees Our mid-way through the table university sees 17.1% of its students drop out annually.
Middlesex University
Another London based university to feature in the rankings is Middlesex University. The university has campuses across the globe, including in Dubai, Mauritius and Malta. Only 82.5% of students continue each year, meaning 17.5% decide to part ways after year one.
University of West Scotland
At number three is the only Scotland based university to feature in the Guardian’s top 10 list. Similar to the University of South Wales, the UWS has campuses across the west of the country. Each year, 18.1% of students dropout.
University of Bedfordshire
Just missing out on the top spot is the University of Bedfordshire. The institution has campuses in Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes. With a continuation rate of 81.2%, it sees 18.8% of students leave annually.
Wrexham Glyndwr University
At number one is the North Wales based university. Each year, 19.6% of its students decide to drop out after year one. The university has strong connections with the local industries and focuses on creating a learning environment with personalised teaching.
Now you know which universities have the highest rates, why not find out which universities have the lowest dropout rates in the UK.
