Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 4 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 July 2011. It was answered by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Monday, 11 July 2011 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Higher Education: Admissions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to publish the contextual data used by individual higher education institutions in admissions decisions as set out in paragraph 5.18 of the Higher Education White Paper.

Answer: We have no plans to publish the contextual data used by universities.Universities are responsible for their own admissions policies and decisions. Whether to use such information is up to each university, as they will be best placed to decide on the information that will help to identify the candidates with the talent and potential to succeed at that institution or on a particular course. The Government believe that the use of such data is a valid and appropriate way for institutions to broaden access while maintaining excellence, so long as individuals are considered on their merits, and institutions' procedures are fair, transparent and evidence-based.

Secondary information