evidence: This growth is largely driven by an increase in the UK 18-year-old demographic, with a 38% increase in students from this background, which could see the total number of 18-year-old applicants increase to 457,000. Furthermore, we project that the number of 19-year-old applicants could grow to 101,000 (+10%). [...] Within these headline figures, we also see significant variation by region. In recent history, London has had a significantly higher entry rate than other areas — with over half of 18-year-olds in London progressing to higher education, which is 20 percentage points higher than those from the North East and South West. [...] Furthermore, with the roll out of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement promoting a ‘bite-sized’ form of higher education, and strengthening the appeal to adult learners, we could see a reduced number of students enter higher education at 18, instead preferring a more ‘real time’ experience as they progress through their career, reducing the 18-year-old entry rate, but increasing mature participation. Furthermore, the LLE would potentially broaden the range of individuals engaged with education, increasing mature student numbers.