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Contextual offers
Many universities make lower offers to some applicants, taking into account the circumstances in which they achieved their grades. These are called contextual offers.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
Who may get a contextual offer
Each university sets its own rules. Common factors include:
- being a care leaver or care-experienced,
- being estranged from your family,
- living in an area where few people go to university,
- going to a school with lower average results,
- having received free school meals,
- being the first in your family to go to university (at some universities),
- taking part in the university's own outreach or summer school programme.
How much lower
Contextual offers are often one or two grades lower than the standard offer, but this varies by university and course. Some universities guarantee an interview or a place on a foundation year instead.
Do I need to apply?
Usually not. Universities use information from your UCAS application and public data about where you live and your school. Some programmes ask you to apply separately, so check the university's website.
Tell UCAS about your circumstances
Your UCAS application lets you share circumstances such as being a care leaver or a young carer. Universities use this to offer support as well as for contextual offers.
Sources
Quick answers
What is a contextual offer?
A lower offer that some universities make to applicants whose circumstances may have made it harder to achieve high grades, such as care leavers or students from areas with low university entry.
Do all universities make contextual offers?
Many do, but each university sets its own rules. Check the admissions pages of the universities you are interested in.