Too many students are struggling academically at university because the school system has failed to adequately prepare them, according to a national report.
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The new report by the Productivity Commission, the federal government's advisory body on economic policy, suggested that improving literacy and numeracy may reduce the under-representation of equity groups at university.
The 'demand driven university system', in place between 2010 and 2017, was intended to increase domestic student numbers and give under-represented groups, including regional and remote people, greater access.
Charles Sturt University's acting director engagement across all campuses Kath Attree said the university provides a range of services to support those from under-represented groups in society.
"CSU has a large number of students who are first in the family to study, from regional areas and also lower socio-economic students," she said.
"We have, for many years, been conscious of the fact that many might not be literate, don't understand how to navigate the online space and we emphasise that and when they enrol with us we offer a range of support services to bridge the gap."
Former Wagga CSU lecturer Janice Lowing previously told The Daily Advertiser that too many students did not have good writing or reading skills.
"I was a CSU lecturer and I found that the majority of students couldn't spell or write properly because they relied too heavily on technology," she said.
"It worries me enormously because it is extremely important to be able to communicate in the written form as you often receive and want printed forms of information."
The study suggested that improving literacy and numeracy will ensure more young people will succeed at university and meet the growing demand in the economy for 'complex and adaptable skills'.
NSW Teacher's Federation Riverina organiser John Pratt said while he was unaware of the PC report, he does not believe the school system was at fault.
Mr Pratt said it was likely the result of universities lowering their entries to fill the appropriate capacity of courses.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said improving literacy and numeracy in schools is a priority.
"This government is investing more in education than ever before, with world-class infrastructure, more teachers and better mental health support being rolled out in schools right across the state," Ms Mitchell said.
"We recently announced the Bump it Up program will be rolled out in every school across the state, with schools receiving bespoke targets to improve in numeracy, literacy, attendance, well-being and equity."