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Contextual admissions eligibility updates for 2027E

23 Jul 2026

Following on from a review of our existing policy, contextual admissions is evolving with changes to eligibility and some processes for 2027E.

The University has had a mandatory Contextual Data policy in existence since 2011, and at regular intervals we have worked to ensure our policy remains fit for the purpose of ensuring talented studentshave a fair chance to join the University, regardless of their background. It is also a critical aspect of our Access and Participation plan and a key tool in supporting us to meet our APP access targets.  

Our new eligibility criteria will make use of a broader range of Government, UCAS, and sector data to indicate whether applicants are likely to have faced socio-economic or educational barriers to achieving their full academic potential in secondary and further education. It uses Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility data, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), and TUNDRA, as well as a wider range of personal characteristics provided by applicants on their UCAS forms. Applicant eligibility for contextual admissions will continue to be indicated using ourWP flag system.  

 Key data changes summarised: 

Contextual admission flag 

Retained 

New additions 

Removed for 2027E 

WP Flag 

Applicant home postcode is Acorn category 5 and 6. 

TUNDRA Q1 or IMD. 

Applicant home postcode is POLAR4 Q1. 

WP+ Flag 

L2 or L3 school or college performed below national average. 

Applicant was eligible for free school meals during secondary education. 

 

WP++ Flag 

Refugee status or Care experience for more than three months in childhood. 

Asylum Seeker Status, under Humanitarian Protection or under Ukraine Scheme, or a young adult carer (under the age of 25). 

 

 

We are also introducing a verification process for applicants who have initially been assessed as meeting WP++ flag eligibility. 

An online informationsession summarising the new policy will be delivered in September, and more specific training and guidance for admissions and admissions adjacent staff will be available ahead of the opening of the 2027E cycle. 

  • You can find out more about all of these changes on our contextual admission pages.The 2027E eligibility tool is not live yet but will be in the next few weeks. 

2026 eligibility information and guidance will remain online until the 2026E cycle closes.