Admissions Trends and Behaviours
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Transcript of Admissions Trends and Behaviours
Admissions Trends and BehavioursIan 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 2012.
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
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/policy/
Evidence-based approach, reviewed annually
Part of our holistic assessment of an applicant’s potential to
succeed
Questions…?