Russell Group statement on UCAS proposals to seek additional information from applicants
15 March 2007
Commenting on UCAS proposals to seek additional information from applicants, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of The Russell Group, said: "Admissions issues are the responsibility of individual universities but all Russell Group institutions are committed to finding students with the greatest potential, irrespective of their background.
"Any additional information which helps us to more accurately identify potential and aptitude is welcome. But we are not yet convinced that this proposal from UCAS provides us with that information."
Notes:
1. The purpose of the Russell Group is to provide thought leadership and strategic direction for the 20 major research intensive universities of the UK; we aim to ensure that policy development in a wide range of issues relating to higher education is underpinned by a robust evidence base and a commitment to civic responsibility, improving life chances, raising aspirations and contributing to economic prosperity and innovation.
2. Formed in 1994 at a meeting convened in the Hotel Russell, London, the Group is composed of the Vice-Chancellors/Principals of the Universities listed opposite. In 2004/5, Russell Group Universities accounted for 65% (over £1.8billion) of UK Universities' research grant and contract income, 56% of all doctorates awarded in the United Kingdom, and over 30% of all students studying in the United Kingdom from outside the EU. In the 2001 national Research Assessment Exercise, 78% of the staff in Grade 5* departments and 57% of the staff in Grade 5 departments were located in Russell Group Universities, and in 2004/5 Russell Group Universities were allocated approximately 64% of the total quality-related research funding (QR) allocated by the Funding Councils.