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Supporting professionalism in admissions

The programme will act as a central source of expertise and advice on admissions for UK institutions.

Fair access and admissions

Admissions are the sole responsibility of higher education institutions, who set their own criteria and select their own students. The broader widening participation agenda looks to ensure that all those with the potential to succeed have fair access to the opportunities and benefits that higher education can bring.

Compacts schemes

To deepen understanding of compact schemes and help HEIs manage their schemes or plan new ones, we commissioned a report, 'Compact schemes in higher education institutions' (HEFCE 2008/32).

For the purpose of this research, we defined compact schemes as a set of arrangements between HEIs, schools and colleges that provide special conditions or consideration for entry into the HEI.

The report addresses coverage, looking at the number and range of compact agreements which are in place within institutions. Where possible, it aims to assess the impact of compact schemes on learners and institutions. We asked ACL consulting to undertake initial analysis based on a survey of HEIs and case studies in five HEIs.

This research has been supported by a steering group with representation from HEFCE, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and Supporting Professionalism in Admissions (SPA).

Office for Fair Access (OFFA)

The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is an independent, non-departmental public body ^[note] which aims to promote and safeguard fair access to higher education for under-represented groups in light of the introduction of variable tuition fees in 2006-07.

From 2006 universities and colleges have the option to charge variable tuition fees above the standard level, to a maximum of £3,000 per annum. In order to do this, institutions have been required to submit access agreements to OFFA for approval. These agreements show how they will invest some of their additional income from fees into attracting applications from students from low income groups - through bursary and other financial support and outreach work.

Further information on OFFA and a full list of approved access agreements are available on the OFFA web-site.

Supporting Professionalism in Admissions

Early in 2006 a steering group for Supporting Professionalism in Admissions was established, to act as a central source of expertise and advice on admissions for UK institutions. A business plan was drawn up by UCAS and the Higher Education Academy. The group is chaired by Sir Muir Russell (Principal of the University of Glasgow) and includes a wide range of UK representatives.

Janet Graham, previously Head of Admissions at the University of Cambridge Admissions Office, was appointed as the first director of SPA. SPA will work with higher education institutions, schools and colleges and others on the continuing development of fair admissions. SPA will lead the development of a programme of activities and research to support and enhance good practice in admissions, student recruitment and widening participation across the UK higher education sector. The programme is initially for two years and will bring together and evaluate existing research as well as commissioning new research, and will encourage identification and organise the dissemination of effective practice.

Improving the higher education applications process

The Schwartz Review recommended that an implementation group be set up to explore post-qualification applications (PQA). The DfES published results of a consultation on ‘Improving the Higher Education Applications Process’ in May 2006. The response makes a number of recommendations for the sector to implement for 2008-09 with a view to working towards full PQA by 2012. These will be taken forward through:

a UK-wide Delivery Partnership Steering Group (DPSG) chaired by Sir Graeme Davies, Vice-Chancellor, University of London
an advisory board which will incorporate a much broader-based membership
a standing conference of stakeholders to provide a facility for a wide range of bodies/organisations interested in developments to come together and comment on progress/outcomes of the Delivery Partnership
a secretariat which will consist of Universities UK (including Universities Scotland and Higher Education Wales) and GuildHE, working closely with UCAS and SPA.

Further information on the Delivery Partnership is available from Fiona Waye, Universities UK (Fiona.waye@UniversitiesUK.ac.uk).

Fair admissions to higher education review by Professor Steven Schwartz

In 2003 the Secretary of State for Education and Skills announced a review, undertaken by Professor Steven Schwartz, on the options English higher education providers should consider adopting in assessing the merit of applicants and their achievement and potential for different types of courses. The Admissions to Higher Education Review web-site provides further information and the final report of the review, published in September 2004.

Schwartz developed five key principles, recommending that a fair admissions system should:

be transparent
enable institutions to select students who are able to complete the course as judged by their achievements and their potential
strive to use assessment methods that are reliable and valid
seek to minimise barriers for applicants
be professional in every respect and underpinned by appropriate institutional structures and processes.