How to get involved?

Our call for evidence

This call aims to gather insights on current practices, challenges, evaluation of outcomes for students, and academic evidence in using contextual data to support fairer access into higher education. Evidence must be submitted by Friday 6 February 2026, 4pm.

Project background

Persistent gaps in progression to higher education suggests that not all who could benefit from university currently do, which presents problems for ensuring fair opportunity across the country as well as meeting future demand for higher level skills. 

As shown by the Sutton Trust contextual admissions tool, showcasing the different policies used by universities, contextual admissions is one tool already widely used by universities to mitigate for attainment gaps and widen access to higher education, but the current diversity in practice makes it difficult for applicants to navigate the system and best access available support to progress to university.

The joint project between UUK, UCAS and the Sutton Trust intends to address this issue to: 

• Enhance the consistency and transparency of contextual admissions practice across the sector in England
• Improve applicant understanding and confidence in navigating contextual admissions
• Support institutions to use contextual admissions in a fair, responsible and evidence-based way to drive widening participation.

Guidelines for submission

• Deadline: Friday 6 February 2026, 4pm
• Format: Written submissions supported by relevant data, case studies, or evaluation reports.
• How to submit: Use our submission form or email your evidence to [email protected]

You can find our scope of evidence here.

Who should respond?

We welcome responses from:

• University admissions teams
• Further study and career guidance teams in schools and colleges
• University access and participation leads
• Charities and third sector organisations engaged in outreach
• PSRBs and specific discipline-based organisations
• Practitioners outside of England with experience of international admissions systems
• Academic researchers with relevant experience
• Interested prospective students, students, parents, teachers and advisers. 

How will the evidence be used?

Submissions will inform recommendations of the UUK, UCAS, Sutton Trust contextual admissions project, intended to enhance the consistency and transparency of practice across the sector in England. 

Evidence to help us understand the impact and effectiveness of contextual admissions practices will therefore be particularly welcome here. Unless you specifically request otherwise, submissions will not be individually attributed.