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Good Practice

Admissions and the exclusion of native language qualifications

In their entry requirements a number of institutions currently operate a policy to exclude ‘native foreign language qualifications’ from consideration when assessing an applicant for admission to certain courses or programmes. The basis for this policy has often been the perception that a language qualification may be less demanding for a native language speaker than for a non-native speaker and consequently institutions attach less importance to that qualification.

Having considered this issue in detail the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), working with SPA, has reached the conclusion that such an exclusion may be considered to be unlawful discrimination on the grounds of race against those regarded as possessing the native language qualifications.

The Equality Challenge Unit briefing note on this issue was circulated in October 2008 and SPA is keen to ensure that colleagues dealing with admissions are fully aware of this issue and can take the relevant action. The briefing is student admissions: exclusion of native language qualifications.

We have had a number of queries from institutions about this briefing and as a result we have now produced additional guidance which we hope colleagues will find helpful. If you would like to comment on this or discuss any aspect of this issue please feel free to contact Leslie Currie, Senior Project Officer at SPA.

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Reviewed and updated: July 2009