Tell us what you think of Families in Partnership
We would be grateful to learn from what you think of the Families in Partnership newsletter – this minute-long survey will help us improve the newsletter for the community 👉
UCAS deadlines
Published
As the UCAS Deadline approaches, for young people entering Higher Education with a special education need or disability, there’s a lot to think about. Future Me worked with SENDIASS to provide you an overview of important information to help with applications.
The closing date for applications for 2024-entry undergraduate courses via UCAS is 18:00 (UK time) on 31 January 2024.
If you plan to go to university in September 2024, it is crucial to submit your applications on UCAS by this date. This will include naming your first and second choice universities and courses and submitting your Personal Statement. For tips about how to write your Personal Statement, take a look at the official advice.
If you have additional needs or a disability, there are some key differences between how you have previously accessed support at school or college, and what support may look and feel like at university. Schools and FE colleges follow guidance from the SEND Code of Practice, whereas Higher Education providers follow the Equality Act instead. So, what does this mean practically? We’ve put together some key explainers to help you understand the differences to prepare for:
1. EHCPs will cease:
If you currently have an EHCP, this will cease when you go to university. It’s important to note that if you have an EHCP, it does not necessarily mean that you have a disability as described by the Equality Act. This means that when you apply to university, it is crucial to let them know about your disability or condition in your application. The first way to let the university know about your support needs is to use the relevant question on the UCAS application when prompted to do so. This is part of your application submitted no later than the 31st of January deadline.
2. Additional financial support is available – apply in good time:
Student Finance provides financial support to university students. This can pay for tuition fees (and living costs, if you also take out a maintenance loan). Applications will open in the spring of 2024. It is important to apply earlier rather than later – leaving it too late may delay payments in the autumn term. You can find out more about how student loans work on the Student Finance website. If you have a disability, physical and/or mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, you may be eligible for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This funding is non-repayable and is awarded to cover the essential extra costs you might have as a direct result of your disability, condition or learning difficulty. Applications need to be supported by diagnostic evidence supplied by an appropriately qualified medical professional. This short video gives an overview of DSA.
3. Research the support and options at your university:
During the spring and summer terms, you will be waiting to hear back from your chosen universities. In this time, you can be proactive by researching the specific support offered by your chosen university. All universities will have pastoral services, so read up on their website to find out about their offer. Don’t be afraid to contact them with any queries. You could check what accessible online platforms are used to deliver online learning or ask how accessible the buildings are on campus on in halls of residence. You could ask to have a tour of where you will be living and studying, to consider accessibility. Another thing to consider is part-time study. Some people find that part-time study allows them to access university whilst also managing their additional needs and/or caring responsibilities. Ask about how this might work for you and consider your options. You do not have to wait to receive your offers to contact your first and second choice universities.
4. It is your responsibility to share information about your condition or disability:
You become an adult at 18. This means that confidentiality rules now apply to your disability. It is up to you to consent for parties to share information about you, e.g. for your hospital to share details with your GP etc. Some people do not disclose their disability to their university as they worry it will affect their entry. Your information will only be shared when necessary, so staff know how to support you. If you have had an EHCP, it is a good idea to obtain a copy of it from your college or sixth form before you leave and share with your university. If you don’t have an EHCP, you may still qualify for some help/support, so don’t be afraid to explain your needs. Speak to your university’s pastoral team. It is better to do this sooner rather than later and waiting until your September start may mean you have a lot on your plate all at once. By then, you’ll be navigating your new life as a university student, so help your future self by communicating your support needs well before your arrival!
If you’d like to find out more on this topic, look at the information available from UCAS. Good luck with your application!