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We believe that every student with the ability to study at university should be able to do so. That’s why contextual offers are an important part of our admissions policy.
In general, a contextual offer will be lower than our standard offer. For example, a contextual offer for someone taking A levels will be two grades below our published standard offer. Course specific conditions will still apply, for example if the course requires you to have a minimum grade in a related subject, this subject grade will not be adjusted.
The good news for you as an applicant is that the vast majority of contextual offers are made automatically. You just need to complete your UCAS application and we will do the rest.
As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation at the University of Kent, we have a contextual admissions policy. We use data and indicators to help us build a more rounded view of an applicant's achievements and potential, we are keen to ensure that we are able to identify talent using a range of applicant information in addition to prior attainment. We are also committed to ensuring that each applicant is assessed fairly.
In the UK, the participation of local areas (POLAR) measures how many young people participate in higher education. POLAR classifies local areas into five groups - or quintiles - based on the proportion of 18 year olds who enter HE aged 18 or 19 years old Quintile one shows the lowest rate of participation. Quintile five shows the highest rate of participation.
Area of social challenge
If you live in a POLAR4* Q1 you are eligible for a contextual offer from Kent.
Search by postcode on the OfS website to find out if you live in a POLAR4* Q1 area.
Area with low levels of progression to higher education
If you live in a POLAR4* Q2 and attend an English school/college that is in the bottom 40% of KS5 results nationally.
Search by postcode on the OfS website to find out if you live in a POLAR4* Q2 area.
See our Institution Contextual Flag (PDF) to see if your school is in the bottom 40% nationally for KSS results.
If you have spent time in care, you are eligible for a contextual offer from Kent. Please indicate this status on your UCAS application form.
The University of Kent is working to be a safe and welcoming place for refugees, asylum seekers, and others who are displaced or forced to migrate.
We promote access to Higher Education for people who have fled persecution and sought asylum in the UK, providing support and scholarships through the Article 26 scheme.
If you have 'refugee status' or have been granted 'Humanitarian Protection' you are eligible for a contextual offer from Kent. Please indicate the relevant status on your UCAS application form.
The University of Kent Academies Trust (UKAT) was established on 1 September 2017. There are currently two secondary schools within the Trust:
If you're a registered student at one these schools you are eligible for a contextual offer from Kent.
Our Outreach and Widening Participation team have developed close relationships with more than 45 non-selective secondary schools and three local FE colleges in Kent.
If you're a registered student at one of our partner schools or colleges you are eligible for a contextual offer from Kent.