Eighteen years ago, in 1998, around 700,000 babies were born in the UK. They are now coming of age, standing at a crossroads in their lives and making different decisions about the future according to their gender.

Even though there are slightly more men than women, the latest Ucas figures show over 40,000 more 18-year-old women have applied to begin higher education.

When all ages are included, the gender gap in university applications is nearly 100,000.

The numbers are stark. Four-fifths of the UK’s higher education institutions have more female than male students, as do two-thirds of the 180 subject areas on offer at university.

After entering university, men are less likely to finish their course and less likely to secure a top degree (a First or 2:1).

This has long-term consequences because higher education improves people’s earnings, their life expectancy and their overall wellbeing.

What happens in universities today shapes the country tomorrow, and it is not looking good for those with a Y chromosome.