Access and participation
Our plan for 2025–26 to 2028–29 sets out how we will widen access to the University, and make sure that the students we admit stay, succeed and go on to what they want to do next.
Our targets
| Reference | Target | Baseline | By 2028–29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTA_1 | Ratio of entrants from the most and least represented areas | 6.1 : 1 (2022–23) | 4.0 : 1 |
| PTS_1 | Gap in continuation for students from the least represented areas | 4.8 points | 2.0 points |
| PTA_2 | Gap in the award of first and upper second-class degrees to Black students | 14.2 points | 7.0 points |
| PTP_1 | Gap in progression to graduate work or study for disabled students | 5.1 points | 2.0 points |
How we will meet them
The Pontar Access Scheme
A two-year programme for students in state schools across the region, from Year 12, with subject masterclasses, a residential week and a contextual offer for those who complete it. 410 students took part in 2025–26.
Bridge to Oxenfurt
A two-week summer programme before the first term for students who join us through the Pontar Access Scheme or on a contextual offer, with paid accommodation and an introduction to tutorials and the Library.
Inclusive teaching and assessment
A review of assessment in every faculty, to remove barriers that do not test what a course is meant to test.
Financial support
The Oxenfurt Bursary and the Ferry Bursary, and a hardship fund open all year.
Investment
The University expects to spend about £7.4 million a year on the activities in the plan, of which £4.9 million is financial support for students.
Monitoring
Council receives a report on progress against the plan each year, and the Students’ Union is represented on the group that oversees it. The plan was approved by the regulator for higher education in 2024 and runs until 2028–29.
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