The decision whether to admit an applicant is one of the major areas in which individual universities, as autonomous bodies, have final authority and responsibility. Universities have confidence in their admissions policies and practices and are concerned to show that they are fair and transparent. They are also concerned to ensure that they are consistent with good practice. 

Which is why the universities contributed willingly to the independent review of admissions, Fair admissions to higher education, which the Government commissioned after the 2003 White Paper, and in the initiatives and programmes that have sprung from the review:

• the Supporting Professionalism in Admissions Programme (SPA);
• the former Department for Education and Skills’ (DfES) consultation on improving the higher education applications process;
• and the Delivery Partnership, a sector-led body that currently leads on the reform of the applications process.

More information about the universities’ role in undergraduate admissions and the main current admissions processes and issues is provided in our policy briefing on Admissions.

The Delivery Partnership

The Delivery Partnership is a UK-wide, higher education sector-led, partnership of different education stakeholders. It was established in autumn 2006 to implement reforms to the higher education applications process which will enhance the provision of information for both applicants and universities in the interests of increasing transparency, efficiency and effectiveness. Universities UK and GuildHE provide secretariat support to the partnership.

The Supporting Professionalism in Admissions programme

The SPA programme was established in 2006 and works closely with higher education institutions, schools and colleges and other stakeholders on the continuing development of fair admissions and good practice in admissions, student recruitment and widening participation across the UK higher education sector.

The programme is independent, funded by all the UK higher education funding bodies and comprises a small team of four who have a combined experience of over 50 years in admissions. Their website highlights the research, good practice and professionalism they have found from visits and activities, developed and disseminated to support those working in admissions, student recruitment and widening participation.