OFFA welcomes UCAS’ Admissions Process Review findings

Commenting on the UCAS report ‘Admissions Process Review: Findings and Recommendations’ published today, Sir Martin Harris, Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, said:

“We warmly welcome UCAS’ very thorough review of the admissions service it offers to universities and colleges. UCAS has clearly been mindful of the potential impact of any changes on applicants from under-represented groups, and we are particularly pleased to see this.

“Many of the changes UCAS is now recommending – for example improved contextual data services, simplified terminology and the proposed improvements to Clearing and Extra – may benefit under-represented applicants. However, as UCAS rightly acknowledges, further evaluation will be needed to better understand the potential impact of changes on widening participation and fair access.

“As UCAS recognises, groups such as care leavers, students from low-participation schools and colleges, and those with disabilities, are particularly vulnerable to poor-quality information, advice and guidance. We therefore particularly welcome UCAS’ commitment to place greater emphasis on ensuring that it provides applicants with access to clear, comprehensive and impartial information.

“UCAS’ unique position at the centre of the application process makes it ideally located to improve the information that applicants use when making decisions. Access to clear and meaningful information based on UCAS data has the potential to help level the playing field between those with access to strong information, advice and guidance services, and those without.”