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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Universities: Admissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2025, to Question 84664, on Universities: Admissions, if she will publish the terms of reference of the task and finish group into higher education admissions; and what the definition is of disadvantaged backgrounds.

Answer

The Terms of Reference of the Access and Participation Task and Finish Group were published on GOV.UK in February 2026:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6985f6bf85bc7d6ba0fbc74f/HE_Access_and_Participation_Task_and_Finish_Group_-_Terms_of_Reference.pdf.

The Task and Finish Group’s remit is to consider regional disparities and how to tackle the most systemic barriers across the journey into higher education for disadvantaged students.

The department has not issued direct guidance to the group on the definition of disadvantage for admission purposes.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
119910
Session
2024-26
Related items
Universities: Admissions
Monday, 3 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Admissions Disadvantaged Universities Social class
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk