UCAS update and developments Mat Welbourn Professional Development Executive

The provision of higher education in the UK ▪Number of institutions ▪Number of courses

Application statistics for 2011 entry ▪Total applicants700,1610.4%  ▪Total accepted applicants492,0301.0%  ▫Main scheme415,3401.3%  ▫Extra9, %  ▫Clearing51,1699.0%  ▫Adjustment %  ▫Record of Prior Acceptance15, %  // Source: Final end of year figures for 2011 (15/12/2011)

Latest application statistics for 2012 entry ▪Applicants for all courses540,0737.4%  ▫UK462,5078.7%  ▫Other EU36, %  ▫Non EU41, %  Source: 15 January 2012 applications digest (30/01/2012) “ The more detailed analysis of application rates for young people takes account of population changes. This shows a fall of just 1% in the application rate in England, with little change across the rest of the UK.

2012 applications by subject choice Source: 15 January 2012 applications digest (30/01/2012)

Admissions Process Review (APR) The object has been to discover ways in which the complexity which now exists could be reduced to the greatest possible extent by simplifying procedures…it is based upon the confident belief that arrangements which are both more uniform and are as convenient as possible to applicants and to schools will also be of great advantage to the universities. Sir Philip Morris, VC University of Bristol

Changes in the English educational landscape ▪Browne Review ▪HE White Paper ▫Tuition fees ▫Number controls ▫Diversity of provision ▪Post-White Paper ▫AAB ▫Core and margin

Does the system need to change? ▪Is it a fair admissions process? ▪Does it support the best match of applicant to course? ▪Is it efficient? ▪Does it put the applicant at the heart of the process? ▪Does it support the best admissions decisions? ▪Does it support different types of applicant? ▪Does it support different types of courses? ▪Does it provide excellent service?

Admissions Process Review: statistics 700,0009.3M2.7M39, M HEI’s Courses Applicants Choices Transactions Cost

Research highlighted several big issues ▪Complexity (creates need for advice) ▪Young have to apply too early ▪Insurance ▪Clearing ▪Inefficiency ▪Predicted grades ▫Predictions made five to eight months before exams ▫Fewer than 10% accurate over three A Levels ▫Would 90% have made a different application? ▫28% with at least one under-prediction ▫Over-prediction is a problem as well as under-prediction

APR timeline SEPTEMBER 2010 UCAS Board ratifies new corporate strategy JANUARY 2012 Consultation phase finishes MARCH 2011 Research phase starts OCTOBER 2011 Consultation phase starts MARCH 2012 Report to the UCAS board on consultation findings Central admissions celebrates its 50 th cycle 50 th

APR: recommendations Implement a streamlined and improved version of current process Move to application with results process (2016 at earliest)

Qualifications Information Review (QIR) The Qualifications Information Review was launched in July 2010 in response to the changing qualifications environment in the UK ▪To understand requirements that stakeholders have for information about qualifications to enable fair, transparent and efficient admissions to higher education ▪To review how effective the Tariff and other approaches are in meeting these needs ▪To work with a wide range of stakeholders to develop and consult on improvements and alternative approaches

Qualifications Information Review (QIR): **UPCOMING CONSULTATION**  Consultation is the culmination of the work of the QIR since July 2010  Consultation document outlines six recommendations for a new system of qualifications information and provides an opportunity for you to have your say on these recommendations  Responses are sought from all stakeholders including:  Consultation period: 9 February to 16 April 2012  Download the document and find out more at  Responses can be submitted via our online survey, one collective response per institution please! Schools & colleges ParentsHEI admissions staff Awarding Bodies AdvisersLearnersHEI MI (management information) staff Regulatory & funding bodies

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