New case studies show how HE institutions are using insight gathered before students begin their studies to strengthen transition activity, coordinate services and offer support sooner. 

Higher education institutions taking part in the Pre-arrival Academic Questionnaire (PAQ) are already using early insight to make practical changes. Findings from the first wave of results have helped staff identify mental health, disability, study and financial support needs, inform induction and Welcome Week planning, develop student resources and improve coordination between academic teams and professional services.  

The PAQ captures students’ confidence, concerns and expectations before they enter higher education, giving providers evidence to support more informed and responsive transition planning. The first wave of the national pilot was delivered in 2025 by Advance HE, the University of East London and Jisc, with responses from incoming undergraduates at 15 higher education institutions in England. 

How institutions are putting the insight into practice 

The initial findings show why pre-arrival insight matters. They point to differences in students’ confidence and preparedness, expectations of higher education, digital experience, financial pressures and wellbeing concerns before study begins. 

A series of new case studies published by Advance HE show how institutions are turning that evidence into earlier, more inclusive and better-coordinated support, responding to students’ circumstances and expectations before pressures emerge. 

Norland University of Early Childhood

For Norland, the PAQ reinforced the value of existing support while providing fresh evidence about what incoming students need. Sharing the findings with academic governance, senior leaders and support teams has encouraged a more joined-up approach to student feedback and future survey delivery, with early insight being used to strengthen wellbeing and student success. 

SOAS

At SOAS, the impact is still developing, but the first findings are already helping to shape Welcome Week, transition support and planning for the 2026 intake. The data has revealed differences between international and UK postgraduate students, deepened understanding of their expectations and needs, and highlighted opportunities to strengthen academic engagement and future delivery of the questionnaire. 

Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University used the PAQ to build a substantial evidence base for strategic discussion and practical planning across governance, academic departments and professional services. The findings are shaping thinking about library workshops, study support and how placement opportunities are communicated, while giving staff a clearer view of students’ motivations, expectations, financial pressures, sense of belonging and support needs. The pilot also showed how earlier engagement and closer integration of the findings could strengthen future decision-making. 

UCEN Manchester  

At UCEN Manchester, the PAQ helped staff identify mental health, disability, study and financial support needs at an earlier stage, enabling tutors and specialist teams to offer targeted help before concerns escalated. Bringing the findings into personal tutorials also strengthened staff engagement with student insight and supported a more coordinated approach to surveys and feedback. 

University of Portsmouth  

The University of Portsmouth used the PAQ to identify students who might benefit from early help with employment or disability-related support. Sharing the findings across leadership, faculties and professional services encouraged a coordinated response, while communicating headline results to students helped close the feedback loop and inform future induction and support activity. 

University of Worcester

At the University of Worcester, the PAQ provided a clear route from student reflection to institutional action. Strong engagement during induction informed a student support booklet, governance discussions and practical developments including plans for a commuter lounge. It also brought academic and professional service teams together around a shared understanding of the incoming student experience. 

Next steps

The second wave of the PAQ national pilot is now underway, involving 22 institutions across England, Scotland and Wales and covering undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes. 

Findings from the second wave will be published in early 2027, providing further evidence of how pre-arrival insight can support transition planning and earlier intervention. The findings and wider learning from participating institutions will also inform discussions at a sector conference on 22 April 2027.