The University of Bristol are set to take the bold step of accepting lower university entry grades from students from disadvantaged backgrounds and applicants from schools with poorer A-level results.

This change comes as UCAS figures show that those young people from less-well-off families are far less likely to apply to university. The move is being backed by Education Secretary Justine Greening in a bid to improve social mobility and broaden the range of students at the university.

Students with potential

The change will see those pupils from schools with the lowest-achieving 40% for A-level grades being offered places at two grades lower than the standard offer. Each local school will also be offered five places for pupils that head-teachers highlight as being disadvantaged but with the potential to succeed.
The University of Bristol, which receives 8 applications for each place, says that it wants to have a more diverse student body as UCAS figures show that young people from wealthy backgrounds are almost four times more likely to apply to university than their poorer peers. While many universities already take account of whether students have had to overcome educational barriers, this is the first time that places will be directly awarded based on an applicant’s background.

A Direct Approach

Professor Brady of Bristol University has called these new plans “bold measures designed to address a problem that is seen across the education sector,” calling the new direct approach a “step change” for admissions.
Professor Brady continued,

We’re confident that, in time, we will achieve a more diverse student community at the University of Bristol; this will be a change which will benefit everyone, and something we hope other universities will consider replicating.”

The new admissions scheme has the backing of the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, who said, “We must reach a place where opportunities in life are not defined by your background or economic circumstances.”

With many disadvantaged young people turning away from the prospect of university, this plan could help redress the balance and ensure that university is not just an option for the wealthiest in society. While it may not push aside all of the problems facing university admissions, It is certainly a step in the right direction…