Learning This theme has seen the largest change in score since Down 3 from 2023 last year, with a three-point drop overall compared to 2023. This change is driven by more negative responses The Learning score measures overall in each of the four questions. academic confidence among the cohort, combined with the level 69of comfort with course choice. This year, 43% of applicants – and While most applicants are confident almost half of male applicants (47%) they can learn the knowledge and – think they will struggle to keep up skills needed for their course, White with other students compared with applicants (86%) are more confident 35% in 2023. Although the last three than Asian (78%) and Black (76%) cohorts were directly affected by the applicants, which has relevance to the pandemic there seems to have been a BAME awarding gap. There is also a Figure 16: Breakdown of responses to Learning theme ques琀椀ons stronger impact on academic confidence lower level of confidence among care My chosen course is a good fit for me among this year’s cohort. Over half of experienced (70%) and estranged international applicants (55%) think they applicants (66%). For this question 3 4% 12% 26% 55% will struggle to keep up with others on there is a steady decline in confidence their course, rising to 62% of applicants between socioeconomic groups A who are ethnically Chinese, of which the (85%) and E (68%) – a pattern that is *I think I will struggle to keep up with other students on my course vast majority are international students not replicated in other questions within from China. Care leavers are also more this theme. 16% 18% 23% 21% 22% likely to think that they will struggle to keep up with others (61%) but levels are no higher than the average among I am sure I will complete my course estranged applicants. Most applicants are confident that they 2 4% 11% 22% 60% will complete their course, but Asian and Asian British applicants are slightly less confident. LGBTQ+ and care experienced I’m confident I can learn the knowledge and skills needed for my course and estranged applicants are also less confident about completing their course, 2 5% 11% 27% 55% as are applicants with a disability. Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Neutral Moderately agree Strongly agree *For this question, agreement indicates a negative response; the score for this question was reversed when calculating the index score Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 28