Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 15242

Universities: Admissions

Tabled: 1 July 2026

Answered: 10 July 2026

Question

Charlie Dewhirst

Conservative — Bridlington and The Wolds

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether there is any guidance from (a) her Department and (b) the Office for Students on the use of POLAR3 and POLAR4 for university admissions by higher education providers.

Answer

Josh MacAlister

The department does not issue guidance to higher education (HE) providers on the use of Participation of Local Areas (POLAR)3 or POLAR4 in admissions decisions. Universities are autonomous institutions and are responsible for their own admissions policies...

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