Admissions Trends and Behaviours Ian Blenkharn, Head of Admissions and Registry Services

Topics for discussion  2014 cycle so far  Reflections on 2012 and 2013  To ABB or not to ABB  2015 cycle  Fees and Funding  Fair access  Contextual data  Questions

The Exeter picture  Another large increase in applications – Home/EU undergraduate applications currently up 10%, after a 29% increase in applications for 2013 entry.  Increases across almost every subject area and across all campuses – in Exeter and in Cornwall.  Quality of applications also appears to be up. The increase in the number of AAA+/IB36+ students is ahead of our increase in applications.

Reflections on 2012  A ‘perfect storm’ for universities  Fall in application rates, fewer deferrals from 2011, tougher marking in A Levels  First year of new AAB+ controls  Some advantages for students – more choice/capacity at Confirmation, Clearing and Adjustment. We saw much more movement of students in this period.

Reflections on 2013  A much better year for universities (and students!)  Rise in application rates, deferral patterns back to normal  More relaxed number controls (AAB-ABB) plus a greater tolerance band for universities  A record year for student acceptances and also some pleasing progress in terms of widening participation (narrowing the progression gap between most and least advantaged)

To ABB or not to ABB….  New form student number controls introduced in  HEIs able to recruit as many ‘high quality’ students as they like since then.  Definition of ‘high quality’ is ABB+ or equivalent – but there are plenty of exceptions. Certain combinations of qualifications now allowed.  Things will all change again in 2015 – no number controls at all….! However, we have yet to hear the details.

2015 cycle  A lot of unknowns about 2015 entry, particularly around how numbers will be managed and impact on HEIs  Impact of A level reforms on attainment / predictions / progression to university  Fee/funding levels won’t be agreed until close to the start of the recruitment cycle.  Falling 18 year old demographic – will there still be demand for HE in such high volumes?

Fair Access  Confusion between ‘Fair Access’ and ‘Widening Participation’  Milburn’s Social Mobility Report – particular focus on research intensive / selective institutions  Fair Access primarily focused on admissions and assessing potential (Hoare, 2010)

Contextual Data  What is it?  Additional information to aid and support the decision making process and improve inclusivity  Evidence based judgement  Applicants may not be treated in exactly the same way as different factors maybe be considered, all applicants are individuals with different backgrounds.

Educational Factors  School/college progression rates  School performance at GCSE  Progression from year 11 to FE  Average QCA points per qualification

Personal Factors  Disability  Ethnicity  Age/experience (eg Mature Students)

Socio-economic Factors  In receipt of free school meals  Living in a low progression neighbourhood  Socio-economic class IIM-VII  In care for longer than three months

Exeter’s use of contextual data  Very much focused on educational factors: See  Evidence-based approach, reviewed annually  Part of our holistic assessment of an applicant’s potential to succeed

Questions…?