Introduction
Structure of this report
8 . This report contains :
a . An introduction exploring the context of the Uni Connect programme , how this analysis fits into the wider programme evaluation , and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .
b . A methodology section providing a description of the population analysed in this report , an overview of POLAR ( the area-based measure of underrepresentation used in this report ), definitions of various outcomes from the application process , as well as a discussion of some of the limitations with this analysis .
c . A summary of the trends in application outcomes for the Key Stage 4 population .
d . Analysis of differences in application outcomes between learners from the most and least represented areas in England .
e . An attempt to quantify the extent of engagement in the areas targeted by Uni Connect , followed by an analysis of differences in application outcomes between learners from Uni Connect target areas and those not . f .
A ‘ matched counterfactual ’ analysis that estimates changes in gaps in application outcomes between learners from Uni Connect areas and those not , after underlying differences in characteristics are taken into account .
g . Annexes with : i . An analysis of the relationship between GCSE attainment and application rates .
ii . Data tables showing the numbers and proportions of learners from Uni Connect target areas and other areas with different characteristics .
iii . An early indication of the trends in rates of entry to higher education by age 19 using the available administrative data .
iv . Further details on the statistical methodology . v . A summary of feedback and changes since the previous publication .
9 . A datafile with the underlying data used to produce the charts is available alongside this report . 7
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See www . officeforstudents . org . uk / publications / uni-connect-national-evaluation-updated-analysis /.
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