RESIDENTS in some areas of Bolton are among the least likely in the country to have university degrees.

New figures show Bolton South East, which includes Farnworth and Great Lever, is placed 27 out of the 27 Manchester constituencies with only 13.74 per cent of people having the higher education qualification. The low numbers also place it 612 out of 628 in the country.

But the picture is reversed in Bolton West which is in the top five performing Greater Manchester constituencies in terms of the percentage of people educated to degree level.

The findings, say the University and College Union (UCU), which compiled the report, reveals a postcode lottery when it comes to educational achievement in Britain today.

It adds that where you live will determine a person’s chances of educational success.

And the gap between people living in underachieving areas such as Bolton South East and those in traditionally strong educational areas such as Bolton West is widening.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “There is a clear educational divide. Those with the greatest access to qualifications tend to be healthier, wealthier and more active citizens.

A council spokesman said the local authority was working to tackle the inequality.

He added: “A range of activities take place across the borough through the initiative in order to raise the aspirations of Bolton’s young people."