How can we help?

No – it is entirely optional to give this information – you do not have to let the university or college know if you don’t want to. However, we recommend that you do, so they can understand the context of your achievements and make sure you know about any support that can help you during your studies. Even if you don’t feel you need any extra support now, you may feel differently later on. 

If you prefer, you can contact the university or college directly to discuss your circumstances and talk about any support you might need. If you have any questions, they will be happy to give you more detailed information and advice at any time before or after you apply.  

• Find out more about applying to university if you have parenting responsibilities.
• If you are a mature student, you can find more information about all aspects of applying to higher education on ucas.com.
• Get more information about funding from Gingerbread, a charity dedicated to helping lone parents.

In this instance, you would be considered a ‘carer’ – there's a separate question on the application where you can give this information.

This information is shared (securely) with those who are responsible for supporting you at university or college (e.g. the student services team).

Knowing about your circumstances may also help admissions staff to take your achievements into account and gain a better understanding of your achievements and potential in context. They may get in touch with you to share more details about the support they offer, or events and resources you may find useful to prepare for higher education. Your information may be used (anonymously) for monitoring purposes. This helps the university to inform and improve the support they provide to other students with parenting responsibilities in the future.

The information you share with UCAS is kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information about who your information is shared with, read UCAS’ privacy policy

Balancing your studies with parenting responsibilities may present challenges, so many universities and colleges provide support for students with families.

This could be through:

• financial assistance – e.g. help with childcare costs
• academic – e.g. flexibility with deadlines
• practical – e.g. an on-site nursery
• or even support to manage your health and wellbeing.

When you give this information, you're letting the university or college know that you may need additional support during your studies. They may get in touch with more information about the support available – and to discuss whether you want to access it. Remember that any support provided is designed to ensure you have a fair chance to succeed in your studies.

Knowing about your circumstances may also help admissions staff to take your achievements into account and gain a better understanding of these achievements and potential in context. It won't reflect negatively on your application or academic ability, but instead will enable them to form a more complete picture of you as an individual and identify applicants who have the potential to succeed – even if their personal circumstances have affected their attainment (e.g. exam grades).

We recommend you contact your university as early as possible to discuss your circumstances and any support needs you may have – however small or major they may seem. This will help you to make a smooth transition to university and succeed in your ongoing studies.

This means you're responsible for the care and wellbeing of a child aged 17 or under.

This includes being:

• a biological parent
• a step-parent
• an adoptive or legal parent
• a legally-appointed guardian
• a foster carer
• someone who provides kinship or other parental care to the child of a family member or friend.