UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
Applying to University Top tips for the new UCAS personal statement The university admissions process can be daunting, especially for a young person finishing their studies while simultaneously juggling their UCAS application. For the 2026 entry, applicants will be using the new format for the UCAS personal statement, changing an important aspect of the form for the first time in decades. This new format is designed to make things easier for students. Where the old style was a single essay, the new format asks three questions. Fundamentally, applicants are asked to cover the following: why this course, how have your studies prepared you and what have you done outside of education to be ready for university? Students should not worry about dividing everything they want to discuss neatly between each question; universities can pick out the information they need from any of the three responses. Applicants should ensure that they are demonstrating interest, insight and aptitude for their chosen course and university study in general. Rather than just listing their grades (which universities already have) the focus needs to be on what excites them about the subject
and how they have gained skills they need to succeed, whether that is from hobbies and sports, employment or volunteering. Drawing on personal experiences makes for a more compelling statement and gives a clearer picture of who they are as a person. Most importantly, students should be genuine, honest and themselves! JESSICA CHILTON Head of Admissions www.nottingham.ac.uk
Equity, Belonging, Progress Bath’s Bronze Award success
inclusive education and offering a vibrant range of extracurricular opportunities, Bath creates an environment where every student can feel supported, confident and ready to thrive. The Bronze Award is not the destination, it’s just the beginning. It brings clear goals, transparent measures and shared accountability. Most importantly, it affirms a simple promise to every student and family considering Bath: you are welcome here, you belong here and you can thrive here. DR. TESLIM BUKOYE Race Equality Charter Lead AISTE ZUBINIENE Equality Charters Manager www.bath.ac.uk A U T U M N 2 0 2 5 | E D U C AT I O N C H O I C E S M AG A Z I N E | 7 1
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The University of Bath has been awarded the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award by Advance HE, a recognition of our university-wide commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging. It signals to students, families and partners that Bath is taking measurable, sustained action to advance race equity, aiming to look further and focus on outcomes being ‘fair’ rather than ‘the same’. The award reflects the Vice-Chancellor’s vision and the University’s strategic priorities: fostering an inclusive community, attracting and supporting talented people from diverse backgrounds and ensuring every student and member of staff can succeed. It is underpinned by rigorous self-assessment, robust data analysis and a five-year action plan focused on belonging, fair access, student outcomes, staff recruitment, progression and representation in decision-making. For students and their families, both in the UK and around the world, the impact is tangible. At Bath, you join a community that values who you are, supports your wellbeing and invests in your success within and beyond the lecture theatre. By prioritising an outstanding student experience, embedding