Admissions Trends and Behaviours

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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. 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)

9. 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.

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

11. Personal Factors • Disability • Ethnicity • Age/experience (eg Mature Students)

12. 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

13. 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

14. Questions…?