Contextual Admissions for Higher National Diploma Programmes

With the intention of widening participation in Higher Education, Nelson College will be employing contextual admissions to offer access to candidates from the widest possible range of backgrounds. The College recognises that everyone has access to different standards of education and that socio-economic factors can have an impact on achievement rates. Contextual admissions enable the College to consider an applicant’s achievements in the context of an individual’s circumstances with the intention of providing equality of opportunity.

What are the Eligibility Criteria?

The data considered by the College will be included in the application alongside relevant paperwork. Specifically, the College will look at whether any of the following apply:

  1. You have a mental or physical disability
  2. You have been looked after in care [Care Leaver]
  3. You are a Carer for someone
  4. You fall into the POLAR 4 Quintile 1 & 2 category –  18 – 19 years old living in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education

Check your Eligibility for Category 4 [POLAR 4 QUINTILE 1 & 2]:

If you are currently living in a postcode assigned to the lowest Quintiles according to the Office for Students (OfS) and are between the ages of 18 and19, [POLAR 4], you may be considered eligible for contextual admissions. You can use the postcode search tool to identify if you fall into Quintile 1 or Quintile 2. In the event that you qualify for contextual admission, please contact our marketing department who will be available to aid you with your application & advise you on the correct documentation to provide.

Requirements:

Criteria

Entry Requirements

English Requirements

Disability
  • 2 years PIP OR Level 1 Qualification with 1 year of work experience
  • Onsite HEDA Test

Level 1 in English/Onsite Test [Reading & Writing: 5.5, Overall: 5.5]

Care Leaver
  • Level 2 Qualification OR Level 1 Qualification with 1 year of work experience
  • Onsite HEDA Test

Level 1 in English/Onsite Test [Reading & Writing: 5.5, Overall: 5.5]

Carer
  • DWP Letter stating start date and end date of Carer’s Allowance – Minimum of 2 years
  • Onsite HEDA Test

Level 1 in English/Onsite Test [Reading & Writing: 5.5, Overall: 5.5]

POLAR 4 Quintile 1 or 2
  • Level 2 Qualification OR Level 1 Qualification with 1 of year work experience
  • Onsite HEDA Test

Level 1 in English/Onsite Test [Reading & Writing: 5.5, Overall: 5.5]

 

Online Application Form Links:

All candidates must complete an online application form with the College. Please find the links to our HND courses below:

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ option to complete an online application form.