The contextual data can be used to assess an applicant’s achievement and potential, in light of their educational and socioeconomic background.
New for the 2020 cycle, we’ll be making POLAR4 available through UCAS’ link products. This is alongside POLAR2, POLAR3, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), and school and college level data. This new field will be released soon, with the data available in September 2019.
If you want to use the contextual data service, you need to register with us, and make it clear to applicants that you’re accessing this, and how it is being used in the admissions process. For more information and to register, please email our HEP Team at hep_team@ucas.ac.uk.
Providers wishing to access POLAR4 data for 2019 applicants can do so through our modernised contextual data service (MCDS). If you’re interested in finding out more, please email us at mcds@ucas.ac.uk.