English universities have been urged to be more ¡°transparent and consistent¡± when making contextual admissions as part of a wider drive to improve access into higher education.

Sector representative group Universities UK said the process ¨C?which can involve lowering entry requirements for those from disadvantaged backgrounds ¨C was an ¡°important tool¡± but, unlike in Scotland, England lacked a ¡°consistent approach¡± that made it sometimes ¡°challenging to navigate for applicants¡±.

Universities have in recent years embraced the idea that the barriers certain groups may have faced to entering higher education be recognised in the admissions process. Applicants are often guaranteed an interview or offered more tailored support alongside the lower entry requirements.

But the government¡¯s own social mobility watchdog, the Social Mobility Commission, warned last year that while the tactic may help a ¡°lucky few¡±, it has not had a ¡°noticeable impact¡± on tackling inequality more broadly.

ÍøÆØÃÅ

Despite this, Universities UK doubled down on the approach when launching an in Westminster on 23 April that it said would ¡°help deliver on the government¡¯s mission to boost opportunity across the UK¡±.

It said it would be working with the charity the Sutton Trust and admissions service Ucas to review the criteria for contextual admissions, with the aim of encouraging more universities to adopt them.

ÍøÆØÃÅ

A call for evidence has been opened 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¡±.

¡°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,¡± said Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust.

¡°We look forward to working together on this initiative to build on existing good practice and deliver lasting, sector-wide change.¡±

Other actions UUK said the sector and government should take to widen access included more collaboration with schools and colleges in ¡°cold spots¡±, an ¡°adequate and sustainable student maintenance package¡± and the creation of more targeted careers services.

ÍøÆØÃÅ

Sally Mapstone, the president of UUK and principal and vice-chancellor at the University of St Andrews, said that ¡°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,¡± she said, adding that it ¡°should be a realistic option for everyone with the potential to succeed, no matter their background¡±.

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com