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University sector unveils plan to boost access to higher education for the most disadvantaged in society
At an event in Westminster today, Universities UK, the representative body for 141 universities, unveiled their action plan to help deliver on the government’s mission to boost opportunity across the UK.
Access to Success: Our action plan to break down barriers to opportunity, sets out how the sector can widen access to higher education and help the most disadvantaged in society reap the rewards of going to university, from getting a foot on the career ladder to making new connections that will last a lifetime. Access to Success sets out four key actions that the sector and government must take to ensure that everyone with the potential to succeed can take the next step of their educational journey, regardless of their personal circumstances;
- Unlock potential through contextual admissions
- Collaborate in cold spots to raise aspirations
- Set all students up for success with an adequate maintenance package
- Create career ready graduates with targeted careers support
As a part of the first action on contextual admissions, at the event, Universities UK, UCAS and the Sutton Trust announced that they would be undertaking a joint project to improve the consistency and transparency of contextual admissions in England. UUK will convene the sector going forwards and have opened a call for evidence to its members to better understand how individual universities across England reflect on the context of students to make the process fairer for those who experienced extra hardship on their path to university.
Contextual admissions are the practice of universities considering a student’s individual circumstances and background to better understand their potential to succeed in higher education. This approach recognises the barriers students may have faced on their educational journey — such as growing up in the care system or attending schools with lower academic outcomes. Practices commonly include a guaranteed interview, tailored support or an adjusted entry requirement and offer. This is one tool that universities use alongside other interventions (such as partnerships with schools to raise attainment) to support widening access to higher education.
Contextual admissions are already widely used across the sector, as a way to mitigate current inequalities within the education system. However, unlike in Scotland, there is no consistent practice across the sector in England, making the process sometimes challenging to navigate for applicants. This project therefore aims to support universities in England to use contextual admissions in an informed and responsible way, to ensure that talented students aren’t prevented from reaching university because of their background.
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Going to university can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life. 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. ‘Access to Success: universities’ action plan to break down barriers to opportunity’ sets out four actions that universities and the government can take to support all students to access university and flourish while they’re there.
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE
President of Universities UK and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews
Ensuring all those who could benefit from higher education do, is central to UCAS’ mission as the shared national admissions service.
One of the clear lessons from my first year in post is the huge amount of work that universities and colleges undertake to understand the background and specific circumstances of each of their applicants, to ensure all students have the opportunity to fulfil their career aspirations and dreams. UCAS is delighted to support its university beneficiaries by working with UUK and the Sutton Trust on this initiative to help break down barriers for the most disadvantaged students.
It’s never too late to benefit from university. In fact, anyone who is still considering whether to apply this year but has not yet made an application in 2025, there is still plenty of time. Students can continue to submit an application throughout the year, and UCAS is on hand to support you every step of the way.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE
Chief Executive of UCAS
We’re proud to be working with Universities UK and UCAS to improve transparency and consistency in how universities support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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.
Nick Harrison
Chief Executive of the Sutton Trust