Options After Sixth Form

Click here for the Post 18 Options Presentation >>

Contextual Offers

CONTEXTUAL OFFERS

Some universities will consider an applicant’s personal circumstances before making an offer, and may make a lower “Contextual Offer” if the student meets certain criteria. For example, a university’s normal entry requirements of ABB at A-Level could be reduced to BBC.

Not all UK universities make contextual offers. For those that do, each one sets its own criteria, but they usually include a few of the following:

You have a disability.
You are a young carer. A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who cannot cope without support due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction.
You have had your educational studies hindered by circumstances in your personal, social or domestic life.
You have been separated from your family.
You have spent time in local authority care. Very often, you will need to declare that you are a care leaver on the UCAS form and have it confirmed by your referee.
You are a refugee.
You are a first generation Higher Education attendee (your parents did not attend university).
You are entitled to the 16-19 bursary or free school meals.
Some universities run an access, widening participation or outreach programme, and completion of this might make you eligible (contact the university to find out how to be considered for this on your application).
You live in an area with less advantaged socio-economic characteristics. This will usually be assessed using the POLAR or ACORN postcode search.

Please note: Sometimes a contextual offer will only apply if you accept the university in question as your firm choice.

How to apply

For some contextual offers your UCAS application will be assessed by the admissions tutors when you apply to the university and there is no need to do anything other than answer all questions about your personal circumstances in your UCAS application.

However, for others you will need to complete a separate application form and submit this before a deadline. You should be able to find all the information you need on the university website, and you can find more information about Contextual Offers direct from UCAS here.

Unifrog

We encourage students to use Unifrog to research their post-18 options, and here is the presentation introducing Unifrog, with a focus on how to make a University shortlist:

Unifrog Information and Guide >>

Informed Choices

You can use this website to research which subjects are suitable for different degrees, particularly at Russell Group universities: https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship advice and details of current vacancies can be found using Unifrog, and also via the UCAS website - https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships. Please also see these presentations from the National Apprenticeship Service:

Supporting Your Child to Search and Apply for Apprenticeships >>

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships Information >>

Advice

Students can arrange an individual careers appointment with our Careers Officer Mrs Durrans if they wish to discuss their options after sixth form, and students with queries about making a university application should contact either Mrs Booth or their Tutor.

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