Fair admissions to higher education
TThe report is an independent review of the options that Higher Education Institutions should consider when assessing the merit of applicants for their courses. Evidence relating to admissions was collected, including responses to two consultation papers and debate and discussion with a wide range of people. It looks at the fundamental question “What is a fair admission system?” and identifies and explores the key issues, including the need for a holistic approach
The review acknowledges that entry criteria are a matter for the individual institution and identifies five key underpinning principles which all institutions should apply to ensure fair admissions:
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transparency
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selection for merit, potential and diversity
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reliability, validity and relevance
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minimising of barriers
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professionalism
At a national level it makes recommendations to provide consistency, enable more sharing of information and make the system more straightforward for applicants. The report includes recommendations that:
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a central source of expertise and advice on admission issues be created;
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a national research study is commissioned to assess the idea of a national test of potential;
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information available for assessment be improved through redesign of application forms and the personal statement, with special attention to the inclusion of information on contextual factors;
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a post qualification application system be adopted instead of one which relies on predicted grades;
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UCAS in conjunction with other stakeholders seek views on issues involved in applications for part-time courses.
The appendices include an outline of a model institutional admissions policy, which includes training and support for admissions staff and an example of a feedback letter for unsuccessful applicants.
This report is essential reading for anyone involved in the student admissions process. It can be viewed here.
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