00:00 – Welcome and Introductions
Brief welcome from Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY), overview of session structure, and introduction of UCAS speaker Nicola Turner.
02:50 – What is Fair Access at UCAS?
Nicola outlines UCAS’s charitable goals, commitment to underrepresented groups, and how data informs inclusive practice.
06:10 – 2026 Cycle Updates
Key changes to the UCAS application including personal statements, application fee waivers, and adjusted deadlines.
08:50 – Sharing Individual Needs: More About You Section
Guidance on how students disclose personal circumstances like disability, care experience, and more—highlighting where and why this matters.
14:00 – Understanding UCAS Insights and Data Reports
Introduction to UCAS’s “Next Steps” insight series, showcasing emerging data trends on applicant experiences from underrepresented backgrounds.
15:09 – Spotlight: Young Adult Carers
Analysis of choices and challenges faced by young adult carers—including subject preferences, localised applications, and mental health priorities.
20:59 – Spotlight: Care Experienced Students
Deep dive into data and barriers for care leavers; highlights include intersectionality, lack of information sharing, and trusted support sources.
25:02 – Spotlight: Disabled Students
Growth in disclosure rates and gaps in support. Emphasis on early engagement and disability-related deferral risks.
29:32 – Disability Intersectionality and Nuances
Insight into how different impairment types impact student choices, including course and location decisions.
31:37 – Mental Health and Application Disclosure
Many students still withhold mental health conditions on applications due to fear, misinformation, or stigma.
32:51 – New UCAS Snapshot Reports
Overview of initial data from new questions on estrangement, armed forces background, displacement, caring, and more.
35:19 – UCAS Hub & Early Engagement Tools
Useful digital tools like career quizzes and subject tasters to raise aspirations and support informed HE decisions.
38:12 – Support Pages for Individual Needs
Introduction to comprehensive UCAS resources, including DSA videos, student finance help, and contextual admissions guidance.
41:39 – New Mission Cards for Underrepresented Students
UCAS’s new tool to prompt learner questions at events—building awareness of available support early.
43:04 – Resources for Educators and Influencers
Step-by-step guides and toolkits for teachers, advisors, carers, and virtual schools. Tailored versions for specific student groups.
45:10 – UCAS Professional Development Platform
Training modules on WP, mental health, and supporting disadvantaged students, including the new PEP Action Guide.
46:21 – Advisor Training and Final Updates
Promo for UCAS Advisor Fundamentals sessions and 2026 advisor resources. Reminder of newsletters and support tools.
47:45 – Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Encouragement for inclusive, informed advising. Emphasis on early conversations, intersectionality, and using UCAS tools.
48:55 – Q&A and Reflections
Nicola answers questions from the chat, GHWY reflects on key learnings, and shares upcoming CPD sessions.
52:15 – Go Higher West Yorkshire Resources
Introduction to transition packs, CPD events, and learning resources for advisors supporting underrepresented learners.