Questions about Widening Access

Hello Everyone,

I am a 5th Year Scottish High School Student currently sitting Highers,
Sadly this past year I have been struggling with a medical condition which has prevented me from going to school as often, and I might not sit highers this academic year due to the condition.

I was wondering if I was eligible for widening access or any other support for admissions when I apply for university.

If you guys have any other advice or experiences I would really appreciate it as well.

Thanks.

Reply 1

user488949439

Original post by canryangetAs

You wont get offers for widening access for this reason. This is for students who have been in care, live in post codes where fewer go to university or are in poorly performing. You would need to look at extenuating circumstances and universities will look at these individually. I dont know anything about the scottish system as it is different but suspect they would expect you to take highers next year. You would best be asking the universities you are interested in attending as to what their policy is

Reply 2

s4ara.al1

Original post by canryangetAs

Hello Everyone,
I am a 5th Year Scottish High School Student currently sitting Highers,
Sadly this past year I have been struggling with a medical condition which has prevented me from going to school as often, and I might not sit highers this academic year due to the condition.
I was wondering if I was eligible for widening access or any other support for admissions when I apply for university.
If you guys have any other advice or experiences I would really appreciate it as well.
Thanks.

hi, im not sure if you would fit in the widening criteria but if you include that knowledge that your education has been heavily disrupted by your medical condition, then that will be taken into consideration when looking at applications.
get better soon!

Reply 3

McGinger

As above, don't confuse Contextual offers (lower grade offers made to widen University participation by specific educationally disadvantaged groups) - and Extenuating Circumstances (extra consideration given to those whose A levels / GCSEs have been impacted by illness, bereavement etc, but this doesn't attract a lower grade offer).

Examples / explanations from Uni of Bristol :
Contextual offers | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
Extenuating circumstances guidance - for 202425.pdf