Universities in England must work together to contribute to the “growing evidence base of best practice” on contextual admissions, according to fresh guidance on the widening access tactic.
The current picture of how the process works across the sector is “limited” by the absence of standardised data, leaving institutions and policymakers without “a robust national evaluation of access, continuation, attainment and progression outcomes for contextually admitted students”.
The findings form part of a joint project by Universities UK (UUK), Ucas and social mobility charity the Sutton Trust that aims to advise the sector on the use of the system, which is intended to assist those from disadvantaged backgrounds in their path to higher education.
Contextual admissions procedures can include lowering entrance requirements, guaranteeing interviews and flagging applications for additional consideration when it comes to applicants from poorer socio-economic backgrounds or facing extenuating personal circumstances.
The resources, released on 10 July, combine UUK’s Contextual Admissions: A guide to fair and transparent practice, an evidence review by the Sutton Trust, and updated Ucas material on what the process means for prospective applicants.
