Students Achieve University Entry with Three Es to Meet Diversity Goals

Rising Concerns Over University Admissions and Diversity Targets

Recent data has revealed a growing trend in university admissions, where students with A-level grades as low as three Es are being accepted into higher education institutions. This practice is being used by several top universities across the UK to meet government-mandated diversity, equality, and inclusion (EDI) targets.

According to figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), institutions such as the University of East Anglia, Oxford Brookes, and Kent University have been accepting students who do not meet traditional entry requirements. These universities are reportedly using this strategy to address the so-called 'access gap' between different student groups. The Office for Students (OfS), a government-backed regulator, has encouraged universities to be more ambitious in reducing inequality. If they fail to narrow this gap by the end of the year, they could face financial penalties.

The UCAS website, which lists all courses available through Clearing and their entry requirements, has become a key source of this information. With A-level results expected soon, students who receive disappointing grades may still find opportunities through the Clearing process, which matches unplaced students with unfilled courses.

For example, students with DDE grades have been accepted into economics programs at Oxford Brookes, despite the usual requirement of ABB. Similarly, Kent University has admitted CDD students into its mathematics program, while the University of East Anglia has accepted CCD students into American studies. Meanwhile, students with three D grades have been accepted into nursing courses at the University of South Wales, even though the standard requirement is BBB.

This approach is not entirely new. Many universities offer 'contextual offers' to students who demonstrate disadvantage, often based on factors like socioeconomic background, race, or gender. Some institutions also consider white males as a disadvantaged group, while others take into account whether applicants come from ethnic minority backgrounds.

According to research by the Sutton Trust, a quarter of British universities now use contextual admissions. In some cases, students with lower grades are admitted through foundation years, which have significantly lower entry requirements. For instance, Bournemouth University has accepted EEE-grade students into computer science via an additional foundation year.

The number of universities offering foundation years has increased dramatically over the past decade, rising from 52 in 2011/12 to 105 in 2021/22. The number of students entering through these programs has also surged, from 8,470 to 69,325 during that time. The government claims that foundation years provide a valuable pathway to higher education, especially for students from under-represented backgrounds.

However, critics argue that this trend may compromise academic standards. Chris McGovern of the Campaign for Real Education warned that universities are "betraying young people" by encouraging them to enroll in courses they are not qualified for. He suggested that this could lead to a dilution of course content and long-term damage to public services and the economy.

McGovern also emphasized that vocational training might be a better option for many school leavers. The trend of using contextual admissions and foundation years has been driven by the requirement for universities to report their progress on EDI targets to the OfS each year.

Additionally, there are financial incentives for universities to be less selective. By admitting more students, they avoid running loss-making, half-filled courses. The OfS stated that its goal is to ensure that anyone with the ability and desire to pursue higher education can access its benefits.

A Department for Education spokesperson noted that while universities are independent, it is crucial to maintain quality and ensure that admitted students are likely to succeed. When contacted, Bournemouth, South Wales, and East Anglia universities confirmed they use contextual admissions for disadvantaged students but maintained high academic standards. Other universities mentioned in the data did not respond to requests for comment.