This guidance supports UK medical schools in encouraging and fairly assessing applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. It outlines legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and provides practical advice on inclusive admissions practices, from promotional materials to interviews and offer-making.
Summary
This publication presents guidance and recommendations across six key areas:
- key principles for managing disability in admissions
- inclusive promotional materials and outreach
- pre-application support and early disclosure
- designing and auditing fair selection processes
- making reasonable adjustments during selection
- supporting applicants post-offer and during transition
Key findings
- Medical schools must separate academic selection from decisions about disability and only assess fitness to meet outcomes after an offer is made.
- Reasonable adjustments must be considered on a case-by-case basis, with transparent processes in place.
- Promotional materials should be inclusive, accessible and encourage disclosure.
- Selection methods, including aptitude tests and interviews, must be audited to ensure they do not disadvantage disabled applicants.
- Medical schools should prepare to support applicants early and involve disability services, occupational health and current students in outreach.
- In rare cases where a disability may prevent a student from meeting GMC outcomes, decisions must be made by a panel with expert input and clear communication.
Recommendations
- Include clear statements in promotional materials encouraging disabled applicants to apply and disclose early.
- Provide opportunities for prospective applicants to explore medicine through visits, simulations and conversations with disabled students and staff.
- Ensure all selection processes are inclusive, with adjustments available for aptitude tests and interviews.
- Train all interviewers in equality, diversity and unconscious bias.
- Begin support planning once an offer is accepted, using the GMC’s Welcomed and valued framework.
- Where concerns arise about meeting outcomes, consult a panel of experts and communicate decisions transparently and compassionately.
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