Contextual Admissions Policy 2026

As the University of Opportunity, we are committed to ensuring every applicant is assessed in a way that reflects their true potential. We understand that achievement is 
shaped by many factors, including the type of school you attended, the learning 
environment you experienced, and the context in which your qualifications were 
achieved.

Our Contextual Offer policy provides additional consideration for applicants whose 
academic performance may not fully reflect their capability, enabling us to recognise 
promise, motivation, and future potential in a fair and balanced way.

This approach is informed by sector guidance, including Office for Students (OfS) expectations, UCAS data and obligations under the Equality Act 2010. 

A Contextual Offer is an adjusted entry requirement that reflects the circumstances in which you achieved your qualifications. It allows us to make an admissions decision informed by a broader understanding of your educational journey — not just your exam results.

Contextual Offers may include:

• A small adjustment (8 UCAS points) to the typical tariff, or
• A larger adjustment (16 UCAS points) where there is strong evidence that additional consideration is appropriate

These adjustments sit fully within sector norms and reflect our commitment to 
supporting talented applicants whose potential is clear.

Academic expectations, course standards and progression requirements remain 
exactly the same for all students. 

You may be considered for a contextual offer based on:

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with regulatory 
requirements and institutional practice.  

• Your school or college background
• The educational environment in your local area
• Personal circumstances that have shaped your route to university

This ensures we assess you with a full understanding of your achievements and the 
context in which they were earned.

3.1 Educational Environment

We consider national data about progression to higher education and school/college context. This helps us understand the opportunities and challenges that may have shaped your learning experience, independent of your individual ability or ambition.

3.2 Partner Schools and Colleges 
If you currently study, or have previously studied, at one of our long‑standing partner schools or colleges, you will automatically be considered for a contextual offer. These partnerships reflect our commitment to supporting progression pathways across our region.

Dudley College, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Walsall College, Sandwell College, City of Wolverhampton College, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, Solihull College and University Centre, South and City College Birmingham, Telford College, Stafford College, King Edward VI College, Stourbridge, Cadbury Sixth Form College, Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Thomas Telford UTC.  

The following are WP partner schools:

Bloxwich Academy, Ormiston NEW Academy, Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy, Blue Coat Church of England Academy, Ormiston SWB Academy, St James Academy, Willenhall E-ACT Academy, Brownhills Ormiston Academy, The Link Academy, The Telford Park School, New Road Academy, Wodensborough Ormiston Academy, Gospel Oak School, Q3 Academy Tipton, Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, Haberdashers' Abraham Darby, Pegasus Academy, St Thomas More Catholic School, Willenhall, The Telford Langley School, The Pedmore High School, Beacon Hill Academy.  

3.3 Personal Circumstances

Contextual consideration may also be applied if your circumstances have shaped your educational pathway, for example if you:

• Have spent time in care

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with regulatory 
requirements and institutional practice.  

• Are estranged from parents
• Have acting caring responsibilities
• Have a disability or long‑term health condition
• Are a young parent
• Are a mature learner (aged 21+)
• Have refugee or asylum background
• Are part of an armed forces family

4.1 Adjustment Levels 

These modest adjustments keep standards consistent while allowing us to make fair 
and informed decisions.  

4.2 Examples (UCAS Points and A Level Grades)

How a contextual offer may be applied: 

Examples are indicative only and may vary by course in line with Academic entry 
requirements.

5.1 UCAS Applicants

You do not need to do anything additional.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with regulatory 
requirements and institutional practice.  

We review information already included in your application to determine whether contextual consideration is appropriate.

5.2 Direct Applicants

We may complete a quick postcode check to ensure fair assessment. No sensitive 
documents are needed, unless you wish for these to be considered, just a simple 
Evision task we ask you to complete after you submit your application.  

All data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the University’s Data Protection Policy.

We draw on:

• UCAS application information
• National educational datasets
• Partner institution records
• Information shared directly by you

Admissions Services apply contextual criteria consistently and in line with institutional 
policy and regulatory requirements.

Academic Schools review applications holistically within agreed admissions 
frameworks. 

If you’d like guidance or feel your circumstances haven’t been fully considered, please 
contact the Admissions Team on:  

admissions@wlv.ac.uk

01902 321000 

As the University of Opportunity, we are committed to an admissions process that is fair, transparent and rooted in a full understanding of each applicant’s educational journey.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with regulatory 
requirements and institutional practice.  

Our Contextual Offers approach ensures that your application is considered in a 
rounded and balanced way, recognising both your achievement and your potential.  
We do not reduce entry requirements below a level that would enable a student to 
succeed on their chosen course.

Our Contextual Admissions Policy ensures that talented and motivated applicants have the chance to progress into higher education with confidence, knowing their 
achievements have been evaluated fairly and their potential recognised fully.

If you have questions or need personalised guidance, our Admissions Team is here to support you at every step of your journey.