23-04-2025
Universities to increase lower offers for disadvantaged students
Universities are to increase the use of lower entry grade offers for disadvantaged students.
Vice-chancellors are being encouraged to allow more 'contextual admissions' to improve access for students who face barriers.
Universities UK (UUK), which represents 141 universities, has unveiled a plan for a 'more transparent and consistent approach' to contextual admissions which take into account a student's circumstances and background to recognise the barriers they may have faced.
Contextual admissions are already widely used across universities but there is currently no consistent approach to the practice. The offers are typically a grade or two lower than advertised course entry requirements and can also include guaranteed interviews or additional support.
As part of the new plan, named Access to Success, UUK, Ucas and the Sutton Trust will start a joint review of the criteria used for contextual admissions to encourage greater consistency across universities in England.
UUK said the current admissions system is 'hard to navigate and a barrier' which is potentially putting off young people who could benefit.
The project aims to support universities in England with contextual admissions to ensure students are not prevented from reaching university because of their backgrounds.
The plan also calls on universities and the Government to raise aspirations by collaborating in 'local cold spots' where historically fewer people go into higher education.
UUK said: 'Our goal is to bring greater consistency to how universities approach contextual admissions and to encourage more universities to adopt them so that young people who meet the criteria can apply with greater confidence to the options available to them.'
It added that universities should work with schools and further education colleges to provide improved information and advice to help students in making the right choice.
Currently it varies widely how universities use information on students' backgrounds to help improve the chances of those who are disadvantaged. Oxford and Cambridge universities use 'contextual data' to better understand achievements in individual backgrounds to compare applicants fairly.
The most disadvantaged young people applying to Oxford will be strongly recommended to be shortlisted for interview if they perform to a suitable standard in admissions tests.
Cambridge says it does not 'systematically make conditional offers at lower grades' but data provides the fullest picture of applicants and the context of their achievements.
However many other top universities such as King's College London and Bath make contextual offers of up to two grades lower than typical entry requirements.
Prof Dame Sally Mapstone, the president of UUK and vice-chancellor of the University of St Andrews, said that those who stood to benefit the most from higher education often find it harder to secure opportunities.
'Going to university can completely change the trajectory of someone's life,' she said. 'Few other experiences offer the chance for individuals to gain new skills, boost future earnings, get a foot on the career ladder and make connections that last a lifetime.
'But people who stand to benefit the most from higher education, such as those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, can find it harder to access this opportunity due to their personal circumstances.
'Higher education should be a realistic option for everyone with the potential to succeed, no matter their background.'
Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, added that many prospective students are not aware of contextual offers.
'If young people aren't made fully aware of where and how they may benefit from a contextual offer, they may think a course or university is out of their reach and never apply.
'We look forward to working together on this initiative to build on existing good practice and deliver lasting, sector-wide change.'
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