Contextual Admissions - Sutton Trust

The Sutton Trust believes that contextual admissions – where the background of a university applicant is taken into account as part of the admissions process – is a crucial tool for widening access to higher education. This can include giving students from underrepresented backgrounds reduced grade offers, guaranteed interviews or extra consideration. We know that the type of school you attended, your socio-economic background or your personal circumstances can impact the grades you will achieve at school and that not everyone has access to the same educational opportunities and support.

We want to see all universities – particularly the most selective – make better and more ambitious use of contextual admissions so that the application process is as fair as possible. We want these opportunities to be as transparent as possible to prospective applicants. You can see in the table at the bottom of the page which of our partner universities make contextual offers and whether participating in a Sutton Trust Summer School will increase your eligibility for these offers.

Contextual Admissions FAQ

What is a contextual offer?

What do universities take into account when giving contextual offers?

This will differ by university and sometimes also by course, but the type of factors universities may take into account include:

the school you attend
where you live
if money is tight at home
if your parents went to university themselves
if you have been in care
if you have cared for a family member

This is not a full list, and the criteria will differ between universities, so it’s important to check.

How can I find out if a university gives contextual offers?

University websites are a great place to start your research. They usually have a dedicated page where they explain how they make contextual offers, and what factors they look at when making their decisions. It’s always best to email or call the university if you’re unsure about how they make contextual offers, or have any specific questions.
Universities might also list their contextual offers on their UCAS pages, so they’re another great place to do some research.
You can find information below on whether taking part in a Sutton Trust programme will qualify you for a contextual offer at the university you attend and any other Sutton Trust partner universities

Do I need to tell universities any additional information to receive a contextual offer?

Most unis automatically receive the information they need to decide who is awarded a contextual offer directly from UCAS. Some might need to contact you so you can explain your circumstances on your UCAS form. Always check the application process with your chosen unis to make sure you’ve provided exactly what they need.
Your teacher or adviser can highlight your specific circumstances on your reference form, so make sure you let your teacher or other referee know.

Do universities take participation in access programmes, like those run by the Sutton Trust, into account when giving contextual offers?

Will I get a contextual offer for taking part in a Sutton Trust Summer School?

Is it safe to tell universities information about my personal circumstances?

University	Are contextual offers available at this university?	Will I be eligible for a contextual offer if I attend a Sutton Trust Summer School at this university?	Will I be eligible for a contextual offer at this university if I attend a Sutton Trust Summer School at another university?
Cambridge	Yes but this won't include a grade reduction on the standard offer. Click here for more information. However, you may be eligible to take part in the adjustment process.	No.	No
Cardiff	Yes, please see below link for details on our policy: Click here	Yes Participants who complete the Cardiff University Medicine and Dentistry Summer School, who apply for Medicine or Dentistry will be offered an interview provided they meet all of the other minimum entry requirements.  Participants who apply to BDS Dentistry and MBBCh Medicine are guaranteed an interview on one occasion, regardless of multiple applications, and only if the minimum entry requirements are met. If participants apply to another programme (not Medicine or Dentistry) they will receive a contextual offer, provided they meet all of the other minimum entry requirements.  For more information: What is contextual admissions? - Study - Cardiff University	No
Durham	Yes. Click here for more information.	Yes Students who attend the summer school and complete the mandatory elements of the programme, such as the set academic work, will be eligible for a contextual offer. The offer will typically be at least two grades below the standard offer. Alternative conditions will be applied in full at the point an offer is made (i.e. there will be no further reduction or incentive to select Durham as firm).	No
Edinburgh	Yes. Click here for more information.	Not specifically linked to taking part in a Sutton Trust Summer School.	No
Glasgow	Yes. Click here for more information.	Yes But with the exception of the professional subjects (Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Bioscience/Law) Please find enclosed the link to our adjusted offer webpage, which provides more information (the webpages are for Scottish applicants): Adjusted Offers RUK applicants are usually made an offer at the minimum grade requirement. As above, adjusted offers do not include the professional degrees.	No
Imperial College London	Yes. Click here for more information.	Not specifically linked to taking part in a Sutton Trust Summer School.	No
University of Sheffield	Yes.	Up to a three grade reduction down to BBC equivalence. Excludes DLL, Science & IPE Foundation years. Applicants will be given additional consideration if they fail to meet their standard or alternative offer at Confirmation. Click here for more information.	Only if students meet our Access+ eligibility. Click here for more information.
Nottingham	Yes. Click here for more information.	Extra flags on application. Two grade reduction on offers for all courses with the exception of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Foundation courses.      Medicine and Veterinary Medicine will offer a one grade reduction to applicants who are successful at interview. Courses with a standard offer of BBB will only give a one grade reduction.  Applicants must have Home UK fees status to receive a contextual offer.	One grade reduction on offers for all courses with the exception of Foundation courses. Applicants must have Home UK fees status to receive a contextual offer.
RVC	Yes. Click here for more information.	Completion of the Sutton Trust Summer School fulfils one eligibility criteria for the RVC’s Veterinary Gateway programme. The Veterinary Gateway programme is available to Home students only that satisfy all of the following specific non-academic requirements (in addition to academic requirements): You are a UK/Irish national resident in the UK or have settled status (including permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.* You are EITHER currently predicted to achieve no more than two grades below the standard Gateway entry offer for that qualification (NB: all successful applicants will receive the standard offer for the course, irrespective of their predicted grades) OR you have gained a qualification that meets the standard offer for the Gateway course in the 12 months prior to your application. You have studied only one period of Level 3, unless you are resitting that same qualification the following year. You have never attended university or a higher education institution. ROUTE B: You have completed all education since the age of 11 at a UK state school that does not charge tuition fees to any of its students or that is classified by the UK government as an independent school. You attended the RVC Sutton Trust Summer School within the 18 months prior to application.	No
St Andrews	Yes. Click here for more information.	Students are eligible for our minimum entry requirements. Further information can be found on our webpage.	Yes Students would be eligible for our minimum entry requirements. This excludes those who complete Medicine as part of the summer school. Further information can be found on ourwebpage.
UCL	Yes. Click here for more information.	Not specifically linked to taking part in a Sutton Trust Summer School.	No
Warwick	Yes. Click here for more information.	Not specifically linked to taking part in a ST Summer School.	No