I was also surprised that such a large number of people under 25 study with the OU. I wonder if this proportion will increase with Covid-19?

It hasn’t really surprised me (I’m current Students Association President and so am generally expected to be able to reel off facts and figures about the OU at the drop of a hat :-) ) - but it was a useful reminder of how unique the profile is of our students is.

No surprises for me.  Like Cath this served as a useful reminder of all the great things that the OU does.  Further, having attended a graduation ceremony towards the end of last year it was fantastic to see and hear about the impact that studying with us can have on people.  Hearing the testimonies in the video was a good reminder of why I work hear.

I think it is fantastic that so many people with disabilities can study with the OU as I have seen them struggle with the crowds in conventional universities. It is great that people in all walks of life have a chance to change their futures, which they often missed at an earlier stage.

I knew many under 25's were studying with the OU, but did not realise that the percentage was so high. I wonder if it is different in Scotland where the students do not pay their own fees?

The ethos of the OU as a community was particularly touching for me to read. I agree completely as I definitely had that feeling whilst studying, that we were all in this together. It is surprising how bonded you can feel with groups of people you have never met or seen.

I was also surprised at the number of under 25's using the OU to study. I would have guessed a much lower percentage.

As a research student at the OU, I was already aware (and the beneficiary of) the OU ethos.  What always surprises me, however, is how immense the student body is: how many numbers of students, and how many places in which they live.

I am also always amazed to learn how dedicated the students are.  It is clear that it sometimes takes many, many years to complete a degree, but the students do it!  Very inspiring.

I was aware of the OU focus on educational opportunity but the social justice slant hadn't occured to me, it's a powerful combination

There was nothing particularly surprising as I have seen first hand the good work the OU does. It was great to see so many people with disabilities being supported to do OU courses though.

I wasn't surprised at the percentage of under 25's studying at the OU as when I have been to centres to take my exams the majority were of that age. Also with the increased advertising that the OU has done, more people are becoming aware of the advantages of flexible studying and working at the same time.

"The OU has more disabled students than any other university in Europe."

Very pertinent factoid.

And I bet a lot of disabled and abled people are applying now! 

https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=152007§ion=3

I think the student profile was probably similar to what I was expecting. I'm not particularly surprised by 34% being under 25 now. It would be interesting to know how the breakdown of students has changed over recent years with the increase in fees. When I was younger I took several modules just out of interest (rather than to contribute towards a degree) when the fees were much lower. I think this is much less affordable now, and not an option for many people.

I am not surprised so much as encouraged by the statistics given and the ethos of the OU. As a current OU student half way through my third level I have met/interacted with many people, both students and tutors and have always found them to be helpful and friendly.

It is definitely a movement for change and one that must continue.

I was also a little surprised by the proportion of people under the age of 25 study with the OU. It was higher than I expected (34%).

Personally it did not come as a surprise. I have found the OU to be inclusive and aware that students are likely to feel alone due to distant learning, so more effort is made to promote a social side. I have been more involved in the OU as a distance learner than i ever was at a brick university. As a disabled student i can add that the disabled students association are incredibly supportive of each other.

It's quite amazing to hear that. Seeing the flexibility provided, I wouldn't be surprised with such level of appeal on the OU programs. 

The high number of under 25, took me quite by suprise. But if I think about it, it is a rather good solution for who, for family reasons, NEEDS to work as soon as he finishes college (if he has finished it).

I was not surprised that such a large number of students with disability study with the OU. However, I was a little surprised by the percentages of people under the age of 25 study with the OU; I expected lower such as 26%.

I was surprised to see how many students DO have an A level qualification. OU is so good at doing a different job to the educational "sausage machine" that I imagined there'd be a higher proportion of people for whom that hadn't worked well.

I fully support the ethos of the organisation and love the idea of the OU as a social movement to drive down the barriers in society through education and enlightenment.

As a former AL (M266, the now defunct Natural and Artificial Intelligence) it's very exciting to reacquaint myself with the mission of the OU. 

I remember the diversity and the motivation among my students. Having taught at a few 'bricks and mortar' institutions as well, I remember the OU students with fondness for their curiosity and tenacity.

I'm excited to return after a career break

Like other people on the forum, I was surprised by the number of students aged under 25 who complete their studies at the OU. I had the (wrong) impression that it was mainly retired people and mature students who 'attended' the university.

I was another one surprised that the number of under-25s was that high. Having said that, if fees had been as they are now when I was originally at uni (I was one of the last years not to pay any), I would have seriously considered the OU. As it was, the OU never crossed my mind at the time. I'd be interested in seeing how the figures have changed with fees coming in - and increasing.

I love the statement "We need to learn as much as we need to breathe, eat, drink. It’s fundamental to our humanity.” But sadly humans seem to unlearn this innate desire to learn at the latest when they start school. During my OU courses I head from a number of fellow learners that school made them feel stupid and useless and they dropped out.

I was surprised about the number of under 25s at I never came across a student that young during my studies but it is great to read that there are a young adults who see the value of the OU.

Being a new member of the OU staff I discovered all of this in the induction and new staff courses. I remember I was surprised about the high number of people with disabilities who can access higher education and graduate thanks to the OU. I was impressed from the level of inclusivity at the OU and the fact that the student's starting point does not matter, but the important thing is where they arrive. 

I was really surprised that such a high proportion of students are under 25 when they enrol. And I was also surprised that about a quarter of UK OU students lived in areas in the most deprived quarter.  I hadn't realised what a force for social justice the OU is.

I am thrilled to find the OU highlighting life-long learning and the human need for it. I worry that in many schools in the UK learning is seen as something that must be endured or 'got through', or a means to an end - which it can be, rather than seen as something that is life enhancing, despite enthusiastic teachers. This contrasts with other places that I have taught, in Barcelona my friend's grandmother enrolled in a university course at 93 years old from the desire to learn.

Having been an OU student, little about the OU surprises me ;-)

I was also surprised on the percentage of OU undergraduates under 25.

I was surprised to know that 23% of students come from deprived area and 34% of students are under 25. It has made me realise the importance of OU teaching as a social movement. I understand better now that how vital it is to contribute to OU teaching in order to help young (and old) generation become the best version of themselves despite difficult situations they deal with.

I was surprised by the number of students that only have one A Level.  I have previously considered studying at the OU, so there are no other surprises for me.

I was surprised by the huge number of students with disability, I don't know why! Of course this makes sense, I just hadn't joined those dots. I'm so glad you've brought this to my attention, as I'm always looking ahead to the educational future of my autistic son with ADD. I guessed the OU would be streets ahead in terms of Edtech also, but again hadn't specifically thought of this in terms of assistive technologies. It's great to hear more detail of your clearly trailblazing inclusivity! :)D

Hi, no surprises as I remember how diverse the students were when I attended summer school many years ago. 😀

I was surprised by how wide reaching the OU is, I mean the number of countries using the University.  The numbers are staggering, especially the 25k with disabilities. It goes to show how the OU is very accessible. With such a world wide campus, applying to be an AL in the South West seems such a tiny area to cover. 

It has surprised me that the OU has the highest number of disabled pupils in Europe. Also that a 34% of the alumni comes from the 25 most deprived areas in the UK. Now I understand that the OU, being a university, is also a social movement. Unique in the world!

Fascinating how the OU provides opportunities to a wide range of students, from different backgrounds with different life experiences.

I was amazed to learn how many people are studying and taking courses in open university. It was a concept in my mind that only retired or the people who missed the opportunity to study further after high school take OU courses for professional development but I was wrong. I am very impressed...!!

To be honest, I'm not really suprised either about the statistics, nor about the OU ethos, but then I spent thirteen years studying with the OU for a degree, so I guess a lot of it sunk it.

What perhaps is missing from the questions is prehaps some statistics on older people. I started studying with the OU when I was in my late forties, and graduated in my sixties, as did my wife. It would be interesting to know how many other older people use the OU to get back into learning later in life

I am not surprised. I am OU student since 2016 with my first module TU100. I am still a student as I am waiting the result of TM470, but during these five years I have realized how important has been the path I have followed.

Since I finished my A level school in Italy and start my job career as IT specialist I never stopped to study and keep me updated. Now, thanks to the OU I am doing it differently because I am now different, with a consciousness that I will be forever a student because more I know, more I want to know.

All the best

Andrea

Great to see so many statistics, few surprises statistics but overall what was expected based on the ethos of the organisation

I am part of OU cisco networking Academy from last 2 years and was thinking that they are just offering it related courses, but surprise to see there range of schools and institutes.it has really made me want to work with OU more then ever.

I can recall when the OU opened in 1965. I had just completed my A level studies. Since then, interest in a number of subjects has caused me to enrol in many courses. The first few were taught in a classroom setting. I can recall one course for which I was sent learning materials by post each week.

After the public was able to afford computers and the internet became available for all, all courses in which I enroled were online. I could work, earn money and learn at the same time. It was wonderful. It allowed every person who had such an interest to be able to study at a pace acceptable for them.

Online learning has enabled anyone to learn and obtain a recognised qualification - not only those who could afford to go to University. The first truly online couse on which I enroled was an OU couse.

I am very interested in working with the OU.

I have previously studied with the OU and had the pleasure of meeting and learning with other students from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. I am surprised by the number of younger students who choose to study with the OU.

I had not thought of the OU as a social movement!

I suppose I hadn't thought about the OU as open to ideas. But of course for such an innovative organisation this is actually a really natural thing.

I've been aware of the OU for numerous years and was aware how much it helped people unable to attend a more traditional university.  I was surprised how many young people were enrolled as I'd always pictured older students who had gone back to studying.

I love the ethos and how inclusive it is around the wide variety of lifestyles people have whether that is work, caring responsibilities or something else.

I must admit, I was surprised by the level of interest and engagement from people of all age groups. It has definitely changed my perspective on The Open University, making me appreciate its accessibility and appeal to a wide range of learners. It's clear that OU's commitment to flexible, remote learning is making education more accessible to everyone, and that's something to admire.