Contextual Admissions

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?

Universities know that grades can be influenced by a range of factors, so to make the processes fairer, some offer something called contextual admissions. This is where the university considers any barriers you may face, and will either reduce their grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give you an 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?

Sometimes universities will take into account whether you have done an access programme, such as a Sutton Trust Summer School, when making a contextual offer. Make sure you enter this information into your UCAS form, and if you aren’t sure how to do this, contact the university or organisation who ran the programme

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

Each university has different policy on this. Please check the table at the bottom of this page for more information.

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

It can feel a bit odd disclosing sensitive information about your personal circumstances, but we want to reassure you that this information is kept confidential, and won’t negatively impact your application.

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?
Bristol	Yes. Click here for more information.	If you meet the minimum entry requirements, you will receive a guaranteed offer or guaranteed interview (for relevant courses). You will be eligible for up to a two grade reduction.	No
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 Students who fully engage in the summer school and meet the minimum entry requirements, will receive a guaranteed interview (for relevant courses).	No
Durham	Yes. Click here for more information.	Students who fully engage in the summer school will be given an ST offer, in line with our contextual offer. You will then be flagged during the UCAS admissions process and be eligible for a reduced offer. The reduced offer will typically be at least two grades below the standard offer but could be up to four grades below.	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 Scottish students: if you complete the programme including the online academic module AND live in an SIMD20/40 postcode or are care experienced, estranged from your family, are a student carer (provide unpaid care) or are an asylum seeker or refugee, you will be considered at the adjusted entry grades for the course you are applying for. This excludes students who are applying for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Law. Non-Scottish students: if you complete the programme including the online academic module you will be considered at the minimum grade requirements for the course you apply to. This excludes students who are applying for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Law.	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.	Extra flags on application. 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.	You will be automatically eligible for the RVC Veterinary Gateway programme. Please see individual course pages for contextual offers available.	No
St Andrews	Yes. Click here for more information.	You will receive an extra flag on your application. You will be eligible for the minimum entry requirements which are typically two grades lower than a standard offer.	Yes Students would be eligible for our minimum entry requirements. Click here for more information.
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