Unlock potential with contextual admissions

A contextual admissions process helps universities to admit students based on their potential to succeed by placing achievement to date in the wider context of someone’s background. However, the current system is hard to navigate and a barrier, potentially putting off people who could benefit.

We will be working with the Sutton Trust and UCAS to review the criteria for contextual admissions. 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. 

This is one tool that universities use alongside other important interventions, such as partnerships with schools to raise attainment, to support widening access to higher education.

Case studies

Many of our members already employ contextual admissions work into their practice, whether this is through offering transition support, reducing offer requirements, guaranteeing interviews, or extra consideration for individuals applications:

University of the West of England, Bristol - The Access to UWE Bristol programme

The Access to UWE Bristol programme works alongside UWE’s contextual offer process. The UWE contextual offer process uses information from applicants' UCAS application to consider the impact their backgrounds and experiences may have had on their qualifications, aiming to provide a contextual offer based on this insight. Access to UWE activities support contextual offer holders in their transition to UWE from school, college or work. 

The programme supports individuals from disadvantaged groups or those who are under-represented in higher education (HE) by increasing awareness of support services, building self-efficacy in developing HE skills, and confidence in building social and professional networks. The programme consists of webinars, transition support, summer school and a drop-in session.

I was worried about falling behind in my studies, but the Summer School really helped my anxiety with this. After the Summer School, the transition to university was easier than I thought it would be.

Brad

Cyber Security and Digital Forensics student and contextual offer holder, UWE

University of Exeter - Mature Access Pathway

Mature students can find it hard to discover information relevant to them about university life. The dedicated support and advice students on the Mature Access Pathway receive acknowledges the barriers these students may face when considering university. The programme supports their successful transition into new challenges and further studies or careers and is run in partnership with further education providers in Devon and Cornwall, also offering an online pathway. Those who take part in the Mature Access Pathway and apply to the University of Exeter are entitled to a guaranteed contextual level offer. Those on the Mature Access Pathway participate in face-to-face sessions at college and the University of Exeter, where they get advice on applying for university and study skills.

University of Bristol – Access to Bristol

Access to Bristol is a course designed to inspire local pupils from state schools to study at the University of Bristol. It offers a unique opportunity for students to take part in academic taster sessions and experience an insight into student life. Aimed at those studying A levels, BTEC, Access to HE Diplomas, or an equivalent qualification, it’s a fantastic enrichment opportunity that offers tailored information, advice and guidance to help students make an informed decision about whether higher education is for them.

Participants are invited to attend a series of sessions held at the university, studying one of 22 subject streams. The scheme is hugely popular as it offers participants a guaranteed contextual offer or interview at the University of Bristol, should they later decide to apply for a place and meet the entry requirements. Many are also eligible for a bursary.

I owe my university experience to Access to Bristol - without the programme, I would not be where I am today. Knowing I had the contextual offer in my back pocket allowed me to control some of that A level exam stress, but also motivated me to achieve those grades so that I could go to Bristol, as the Access to Bristol programme really made me want to go there.

Emmie

BA Hispanic Studies, University of Bristol

University of St Andrews

St Andrews has implemented a guaranteed offer for applicants living in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland and those attending schools with low progression rates to university. Applicants who declare a care-experienced background also receive a guaranteed offer.

As part of its long-standing commitment to fair access, St Andrews endorsed the national Framework for Fair Access in 2019. The university’s contextual admissions consider individual circumstances such as socio-economic background and school performance, allowing for minimum entry requirements and an assessment of potential.

Over the past decade, the proportion of entrants from Scotland’s most deprived backgrounds has risen from under 2% to consistently over 12%. St Andrews has also exceeded national targets for the proportion of care-experienced entrants. These achievements are supported by a comprehensive offer that includes outreach programmes, scholarships, personalised support and structured pathways to ease the transition to university life.