You'll hear a lot about personal statements when you're applying to university, but your reference is also a crucial part of the process.
By Cerys Evans (Careers Adviser) | 27 March 2025 | 7 minutes read
Your Ucas reference could be the difference between an offer and a rejection from a university. So it's worth putting in some effort to get the best one possible, as well as sorting it early to avoid rushing your teacher (if you're getting them to do it).
Who writes your Ucas reference?
The reference should be written by someone who can comment on your academic ability. If you're still at school or college, it is likely that a tutor or head of sixth form will write it. Various staff can contribute, but one person tends to pull the whole thing together.
If you've already left education, you can decide who to approach for a reference.
Joanna Davies, deputy head of admissions at Brunel University London, says that "the reference is normally provided by someone from the applicant’s school, college or sixth form, and is usually a teacher or tutor who knows the applicant personally."
Usually, the head of sixth form will add the reference to an application but they are likely to include information from teachers at the school that know the student well, and can write about their academic suitability for university and the chosen course.General information about the school is included in the reference, and there is space for any circumstances that universities should be aware when assessing the application that may impact a student’s achievement.Dylan Cozens (regional recruitment director, Coventry University)
What will they include in your Ucas reference?
Your referee should write about your ability, attitude and approach to learning. Essentially, they're giving their judgement on your suitability for your chosen courses.
Ideally the referee should know about your academic performance and be able to comment on your suitability for higher education and your choice of course.If you are currently studying, they should also provide predicted grades for your current qualifications.If necessary, you can also ask them to highlight any personal circumstances that have impacted your academic journey, such as severe illnesses, individual needs or personal situations.Joanna Davies (deputy head of admissions, Brunel University London)
They might also mention the skills you've developed from activities outside the classroom, so tell your referee if you have any relevant hobbies.
You can't include predicted grades on your application, so your referee will list them in the reference. These predictions help the university staff to work out whether you will cope academically on the course.
The application will be read by admissions staff at your chosen universities. If you want to see what's been written in your reference before your application is sent off, ask a teacher at your school.
The reference is an important part of the application and is assessed alongside the rest of the application – it gives universities another insight into the student’s experience and suitability.In addition, it provides an opportunity for any further additional personal circumstances to be noted by universities, allowing them to view applications more holistically.Joanna Davies (deputy head of admissions, Brunel University London)
The reference can add context to your Ucas application and support the information you have given in your personal statement. A good reference can affect whether or not an applicant is offered a place.It can help admissions tutors understand more about your suitability for the course from an academic perspective, how you will cope with the demands of the course and distinguish you from other applicants.Llinos Williams (senior recruitment officer, UK recruitment and admissions, Bangor University)
Some institutions have a very open system where students are involved in the process and know exactly what's being written, while other schools are less collaborative.
You can ask to see a copy from Ucas, but you will have to wait until after you've submitted your application.
Taking control of your Ucas reference
If you're not applying to university right away, think about what you can do to strengthen your application – maybe extra reading around your subject, volunteering or gaining some work experience. This will help your reference too.
I would think your reference should explain how in lessons you have demonstrated the skills the admissions criteria says they are looking for. Try to have relevant and specific example of things the admissions criteria are after – a good reasoning ability, excellent communication and application.UtterlyUseless69 | (from The Student Room)
Based on your research into courses and their requirements, what would you want an admissions tutor to know about you? Have a conversation with your tutor before they write the reference and make sure you get all your key points across.
Watch now: This video explains how to get a good reference and gives great insight into the process from a teacher’s perspective.
Tackling problem areas
Sometimes life isn't straightforward – and your reference can be a good place to deal with any tricky issues.
"I've faced challenges over the past years that I think university staff should take into account."
It is acceptable for a reference to include information about circumstances that may affect your performance, like family bereavement or health problems. When a referee is disclosing personal information about your health, they will get your consent first.
"My tutor doesn't know me well."
You'll need to help them out. Ask for a conversation with your tutor to explain what you have to offer, in particular in relation to the subject and specific courses you're applying to. Sharing your personal statement (even an early draft) with them will help to shape your reference.
"My teacher and I don't get on."
This is a professional reference, so it should be fair. You could talk to your teacher if you have any concerns – and you can ask to see a copy of the reference.
"I've got lots of experience away from education that I think should be reflected in my reference."
Talk to your referee about this. Some students have substantial work or volunteering experience which is highly relevant to their chosen course. In some cases, your referee might quote relevant content from your employer to illustrate your suitability for the course.
"I've left school or college."
Contact your most recent place of study to see if they have your information or a draft reference on file. If you've left, you may prefer to apply as an individual. The reference will be the same, but the way your referee provides it will be slightly different.
"The teacher who knows me best has left."
If they're still in the profession and you can get in touch with them, it would still be appropriate for them to provide the reference for you. You'd need to apply as an individual.
If you can't contact them, see if your details are still on file at college so that someone else can compile a reference for you. If it has been a number of years since you left and there is no information available, you may have to seek a reference elsewhere.
If you have particular problems finding a referee, speak to Ucas or seek advice from the universities you are applying to. They'll be able to tell you what else might be suitable.
"I'm not happy with the reference."
If you see the reference before it is submitted and you're not happy with it, talk to your referee or head of sixth form. References tend not to be overly negative, and they should be fair.
Remember: this should be an account of your performance and potential, reflecting what you have achieved and the progress you have made. Staff will normally have evidence for their comments.
Our final top tips for getting the reference you want:
Research what universities you're applying to are looking for: make sure you've identified the skills, experiences and academic attributes you need to demonstrate.
Consider your personal statement and reference as a package: work with your referee to ensure both elements work together as a single, rounded application.
Keep in touch: speak to your referee throughout the process, to provide them with all the information they need.
