Contextual Admissions Policy 2024

1. As mentioned within University of Wolverhampton Admissions Policy and Procedures, the University’s Admissions Unit makes use of contextual admissions information obtained as part of the UCAS Apply system.
2. Use of contextual admissions information forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to providing a transparent, high-quality application experience that is inclusive and fair.
3. The University of Wolverhampton remains committed to fair admissions, equality, diversity, fair access and widening participation.
4. this policy is valid for the period 2024 – 2025 inclusive of the 2023-2024 applicant cycle at point of confirmation and 2024-2025 applicant cycle.

a. This policy has been introduced as a result of recommendations from various professional bodies including Universities UK[1] (UUK), UCAS and the Office for Students (OFS). The University of Wolverhampton uses the information disclosed during the UCAS application process deemed as relevant, outlined below.

b. Identifiers used by the Admissions Unit as part of the UCAS application process includes the ‘care experienced’ or care leaver status of an applicant, the position of the applicant’s stated address according to the Participation in Higher Education of an applicant’s stated address according to the most recently available information and performance versus the national average of the school/college attended by an applicant where they have studied either their GCSEs or A Levels.

c. Applicants can independently view details of their POLAR quintile online through the OFS website or details of their IMD decile on the Government website.

d. The University will apply a contextual Admissions decision, in the form of a reduced offer letter by a minimum of one grade or 8 UCAS tariff points where any one of the following is identified:

• An applicant lives in a POLAR4 Q1 or Q2 postcode area or SIMD Deciles 1 or 2 postcode area.
• An applicant attends an English school/college that is in the bottom 40% of Key Stage 4 or 5 results nationally (for at least two out of three previous years) or where fewer than 50% of pupils receive 5 GCSEs A*-C.
• An applicant has spent any time in Care or as a Carer.
• An applicant is I receipt of free school meals
• An applicant has declared a disability or long-term health condition.

Information will also be considered once results are received at point of confirmation, which may result in your place being confirmed with less than the advertised published entry requirements and the initial 8 UCAS point tariff drop.

The following principles underlie the regular use of contextual admissions data used within the offer making process:

• The data used for the basis of a contextual offer must be relevant to the aims of processing an application in the interest of fairness and must not extend beyond those markers detailed in this policy.
• The University will be transparent in detailing the criteria in use for contextual admissions.
• The criteria in use for contextual decision-making will be regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate to the purpose of widening access to Higher Education.
• Contextual criteria will be individually applied to each applicant, considered on their own merit. There are no set targets with regards to those admitted through contextual admissions but there is an expectation that adopting contextual admissions in the future will contribute to the University’s ongoing, strategic commitment to widening access and participation as outlined in the University’s Access and Participation Plan
• Contextual Admissions decisions will not supersede any further considerations that are taken as part of the University’s Admissions process (e.g. Fitness to Practise).

1. Where a UK applicant has made an application through the UCAS Apply system and has consented to the release of their individual contextual information, the University will use your contextual information to consider your eligibility under the University’s Access and Participation Plan.  Where possible, applicants applying directly will also be made a contextual offer, where relevant data is available. Where relevant information is not included as part of this, the University reserves the right not to apply contextual principles to any offer made.
2. Where an applicant has completed a prior bachelor degree, they will not be given additional consideration as described above as they are considered to have already overcome the barriers to Higher Education which applicants and students from disadvantaged backgrounds commonly face.
3. School performance indicators are based on the most recently available performance data and cannot therefore be validly applied to those who have been away from education for a number of years. As such school performance data will be used for those under the age of 21 when entering the university.
4. Some courses involve a level of external accreditation or are placement limited and will therefore be exempted from this policy. These courses include, but are not limited to:

• Apprenticeship programmes
• All Foundation year routes – these will continue to hold tariff at 48 points
• BA (Hons) History with Secondary Education (QTS)
• BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Secondary Education (QTS)
• BA (Hons) English with Secondary Education (QTS)
• BMid (Hons) Midwifery
• BSc (Hons) Architecture
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• BA (Hons) Social Work

1. If you are unsure whether the course to which you are applying qualifies for a contextual admissions decision, please contact admissions@wlv.ac.uk.

1. Eligible applicants will have their offer be confirmed at a minimum of one grade below the published typical offer level for the course(s) applied for (equivalent to 8 UCAS tariff points) in instances where one contextual flag is met.
2. Information will also be considered once results are received at point of confirmation, which may result in your place being confirmed with less than the advertised published entry requirements and the initial 8 UCAS point tariff drop.

1. If you have any questions about the University of Wolverhampton’s use of contextual admissions data, please contact admissions@wlv.ac.uk.
2. Further information is also available on the University’s website at wlv.ac.uk.
3. What if I am an applicant from a category not listed who wishes to see if I would be eligible for a contextual offer?
4. Whilst we set the criteria listed as clear guidance for contextual admissions, should you have any queries or wish to find out more, please do get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise further admissions@wlv.ac.uk
5. For mature applicants and those with a record of prior learning (RPL), we take this into account when making admissions decisions and have tailored schemes in place. For more information please visit our mature applicants support pages