Search

Writing a personal statement is an important part of your child’s university application, and with the new format for 2026 entry, there’s a clear structure to follow. As a parent, guardian, or carer, your support can make a real difference. This page offers advice to help your child write a statement that reflects their experiences and goals, along with tips on what to avoid.

We have a wealth of resources to help ease any worries or concerns you may have about the application process.

Applying for university or college to start your studies in 2026? Find out more about the changes to the personal statement format and tips on what to include.

Check out uni course entry requirements now, to see how the subjects and qualifications you choose now will affect the courses open to you later.

If you have ever served as a Regular or Reservist in the UK Armed Forces, or remain a Reservist, you may find there are unique challenges involved in applying to university or college.

Reach your future students and recruitment goals. Connect with the right audience through data insights and precisely targeted campaigns. We understand who students are, what’s driving their application decisions and how you can find the ones who'll most likely enjoy your courses. No other organisation can offer you that.

Pat Carvalho, Principal, Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET).

Melody Stephen, Law with International Studies student at the University of Manchester 

Oli De Botton, Chief Executive, The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC)

Neil Armstrong and Merelina Sykes, Joint Heads of Student Property at Knight Frank and Richard Smith, CEO at Unite Students

Kieron Broadhead, Senior Executive Director, Students and Infrastructure, and Deputy Vice-President (Operations), University of Southampton

Heather Cousins, Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group in the Department for the Economy examines what increased competition means for student progression in Northern Ireland.

Rt. Hon Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, examines what increased competition means for student progression in England.

Bill Watkin, Chief Executive, Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA)

Alison Train, Assistant Director, Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS) examines what the Journey to a Million means for widening access in Scotland?

Anthony McClaran, Vice-Chancellor St Mary’s University Twickenham and Chair of GuildHE