This essay focuses on shifts and changes in educational policy and how it relates to issues of social justice. Educational inequalities are closely linked to policy decisions made by the government in power and these policies reveal the underlying values ​​and opinions of the interest groups that shaped and influenced it. Access to education has a profound effect on life chances and, due to social and economic conditions, changes are made to education policy. Bartlett and Burton (2012) suggest that higher education was first designed for an elite society. However, the Labor government disputed this idea. because he believes in a socially democratic society where there are opportunities for all. However, Clark (2006) suggests that providing equal opportunities to individuals allows disadvantaged students to experience the consequences of inequality. However, when the 'Dearing Report' (1997) was introduced, it opened the door for underrepresented groups to enter this field within education. The fact that many underrepresented groups can now access higher education has led to an increase in participation, making higher education more socially just. Stephens (1990) however stated that because students had to fund their own living and contribute £1,000 towards tuition fees, there was concern that this would deter those from poorer socio-economic backgrounds to apply for higher education. By passing the cost on to the consumer, universities were now entering the market (neoliberalism). Ward (2009) argued that it will not be long before students will have to bear more, if not all, of the costs of higher education. Whitty (2008) argues that even if conservatives were in charge of the market...... middle of page ...... and the winners in this case are women due to expanded access, this can be seen as a silent revolution, but the losers, despite trying to get into higher education, are working class students due to high dropout rates and non-competes. . Men can also be seen as losers as the number of men entering higher education declines significantly as the number of women increases. In conclusion, education and politics are inextricably linked and both governments have adapted and modified their education policies according to their needs and values, leading to further inequalities. Failure to address the uneven playing field has exposed the inequalities that still exist in economic, cultural and social capital. The 'Dearing Report' wanted to widen participation, but all it seemed to do was widen the gap between the middle and working classes, leading to new social divisions..