Introduction

The landscape of university applications is evolving, and one significant change that the team at Access to HE is particularly interested in for Access students moving on to university is the new personal statement format for students applying from 2026. To help you and your students navigate this transition smoothly, we’ve put together this outline on what’s changing, why, and how you can support them.

Understanding the New Format

Gone are the days of a single, expansive and overwhelming personal statement. Starting with the 2026 admissions cycle, students will complete three separate sections, each with a minimum character count to ensure focus and clarity.

Why the Change?

The change to a more structured personal statement format aims to:

• Improve Focus: Splitting the statement into targeted sections enables students to highlight the most relevant aspects of their experiences and aspirations, more easily.

• Enhance Clarity: The new format provides a clearer framework for admissions officers to evaluate candidates’ suitability for a particular course.

• Reduce Overwhelm: The shorter sections can alleviate the stress of writing a single, comprehensive statement.

Key Changes

• Three Sections: Instead of one lengthy piece, students will submit separate responses to three prompts:

  • Why do you want to study this course or subject?

  • How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

  • What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

• Character Limits: Each section will have a minimum character count, to ensure students remain focused and give a concise response.

• On-Page Guidance: The new application platform will include guidance for each section to assist students in producing effective responses.

What Remains the Same

While the format is changing, the purpose of the personal statement remains the same. It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their passion, skills, and experiences. The overall character limit of 4000 characters also remains unchanged.

Supporting Students Through the Transition

As educators and mentors, you can play a crucial role in helping students adapt to the new personal statement format by:

• Provide Guidance: Offer workshops or one-on-one sessions to explain the new format and provide tips for crafting effective responses.

• Encourage Practice: Encourage students to practice writing responses to the new prompts to familiarize themselves with the format.

• Highlight Key Points: Emphasize the importance of tailoring each section to the specific course or subject the student is applying for.

• Offer Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on students’ drafts to help them refine their responses.

By understanding the changes to the personal statement format and providing appropriate support, you can empower your students to present themselves effectively and increase their chances of admission to their desired universities.