Consistent contextual offers among plans to attract more disadvantaged students to study

Plans to improve access to universities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds have been unveiled, including a consistent approach to contextual offers and new finance packages.

Universities UK (UUK), a representative body for 141 different universities, revealed the plans for students as part of their ‘Access to Success’ action plan. It comes as criticism rises over the current contextual offers system. 

Many universities already offer help to disadvantaged students seeking access to higher education by providing reduced requirements and guaranteed interviews. 

However, UUK has stated that in England, there is a lack of a “consistent approach” for accessing this support, which can make the process “challenging to navigate for applicants”. 

Similarly, a government watchdog, the Social Mobility Commission, has noted that current tactics have not had a “noticeable impact” on tackling inequality. 

Students may think a course or university is out of their reach and never apply

Nick Harrison, Sutton Trust CEO

The new project aims to provide a more “transparent and consistent” contextual admissions system. Nick Harrison, the Chief Executive of Sutton Trust, an organisation aimed at improving social mobility, has said: “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.”  

The charity is working with UCAS and UUK to review current criteria so that greater consistency between universities is encouraged in the future. 

The proposed plans take a multi-pronged approach. The partners aim to create greater consistency in contextual admissions, increase engagement with education in so-called ‘cold spots’, set students up with an adequate maintenance package, and provide better support for graduates with their careers. 

The aim is that, by doing this, disadvantaged students will find the process easier, and they will be more encouraged to enter higher education.

Going to university can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life

Prof. Dame Sally Mapstone, UUK President

At the University of Warwick, there is already support for students such as the 93% Club and the Widening Participation scheme, however not all universities offer these opportunities to students. 

Therefore, the plan also aims to extend beyond admissions in order to equip students with the support needed to succeed once enrolled in university. 

UUK President Professor Dame Sally Mapstone has said that “going to university can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life”, so the new plan aims to make higher education a more “realistic option for everyone with the potential to succeed, no matter their background”.  

While the system currently lacks consistency and support for students, the goal is to ultimately turn equal opportunity from a slogan into a standard across the sector.