23 Appendices Introduction Community Thematic analysis Applicant Index Report 2026 Welcome and belonging Figure 17: Expectation of welcome and belonging (agreement) 2024-2026 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% I expect that I will feel like I belong I expect that I will feel welcome 65% 64% 58% 74% 74% 68% In line with last year’s results, applicants with a disability, including those with neurodivergent or mental health conditions, are less likely to believe that they will feel like they belong. Neurodivergent applicants and those with a mental health condition are also less likely to expect to feel welcome. New in this year’s survey, applicants were asked whether they expected to be treated fairly by other students and staff. Overall, 78% agreed, though this varied by demographic. International applicants were more confident than UK ‑ domiciled applicants (85% vs 77%). Disabled applicants were less confident than non ‑ disabled applicants (73% vs 82%). Black applicants were more likely than White applicants to respond neutrally. Belonging, equity and inclusion 2026 2025 2024 Expectation of fair treatment Back to contents