The Prime Minister wrote in the Guardian today that name-blind applications could help increase participation in HE from ethnic minority groups.Read the response from Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS' Chief Executive.
Posted Mon 26 October 2015 - 09:30

The Prime Minister wrote in the Guardian today that name-blind applications could help increase participation in HE from ethnic minority groups.

UCAS Chief Executive Mary Curnock Cook said: "We'll be consulting with universities and colleges on name-blind applications, as well as a wider range of changes which could impact applications from BME students. This is a good time to consider such changes as part of the wider redevelopment of our application management service.

"One of the benefits of our unique national admissions service means that it is possible both to identify and address issues of under-representation. UCAS is deeply committed to increasing participation from disadvantaged groups.

“Our analysis [p.90 UCAS End of Cycle Report 2014] shows that entry rates to higher education for young students from black and ethnic minority groups have increased since 2006. The entry rate for English 18 year old state school students recorded in the black ethnic group has increased from 20.9 per cent in 2006 to 34.3 per cent in 2014, a proportional increase of 64 per cent.”


Notes to editors

In September, UCAS also published an analysis note on offer rates to ethnic groups from higher Tariff universities.

UCAS is a charity that provides information, advice and admissions services to support progression in education. 

We provide a wide range of anonymous (where individuals cannot be identified) data resources and services that cover all applicants and can support most research questions about admissions into higher education.

For more information please contact communications@ucas.ac.uk or call the press office on 01242 545 469.

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