Access Agreement
The University of Essex is an institution of academic excellence, with an
outstanding reputation for both teaching and research, ranked ninth out of
159 universities and colleges for the quality of its research in the 2008
national assessment. Since our establishment in 1964, we have encouraged
applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and educational routes and have
delivered significant targeted support and activity to students from groups
under-represented in higher education.
Currently 96.5 per cent (2009-10) of UK students at Essex were admitted
from state schools, with 14.6 per cent of young students and 16 per cent of
mature students from low participation neighbourhoods2. The University
consistently exceeds its HESA Widening Participation Performance Indicator
benchmarks for the access of students from under-represented groups. This
surpasses both comparator institutions and the sector average.
The University is proud of its reputation as an ‘access elite’
institution, providing students from less advantaged backgrounds with access
to international research excellence. We also have a wide commitment to
community engagement and are a major resource for the social, cultural and
economic development of Essex and the wider region.
The University’s Widening Participation Strategic Assessment 2008-09 to
2011-12 demonstrates the far reaching impact of the University’s commitment
to widening participation and community engagement.
This Access Agreement is intended to build on our strengths and experience,
as well as focus
on the specific needs of our students. It has been informed by careful
evaluation of a range of existing interventions and current best practice,
as well as research carried out with students and advisers in local schools
and colleges. We have engaged the University of Essex Students’ Union in
developing this Access Agreement and work closely with them on many of the
proposed interventions.
View the Access Agreement: