Dear Mr Dimitroulopoulos,

Freedom of Information Request

I acknowledge receipt of your email below requesting information from
Durham University.

Please be advised that the University will respond as soon as possible and
in any event within 20 working days.

Yours sincerely,

Information Governance Unit

Durham University

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Information Governance Unit, University Secretary’s Office

t: +44 (0) 191 334 6103/46246  e: [1][Durham University request email]

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Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[2][FOI #587980 email]

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Dear Mr Dimitroulopoulos

Thank you for your request for information from Durham University.
Colleagues have provided the information below in response to your
questions.

Please provide the following data in relation to all of your undergraduate
law courses (i.e. for both the M100 and any law-related courses with an
M1xx course code);

1.         A full list of the scores achieved by offerholders in the
multiple choice section of the LNAT for the 2018/2019 admission cycle.

The University confirms that it holds the information for 2018/19 that you
have requested.  However, the University declines your request for release
under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). 
Section 43(2) of the FOIA exempts information from release where its
disclosure under the Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the
commercial interests of any person.  As section 43(2) is a qualified
exemption, the University has conducted a public interest test and has
concluded that release of this data would prejudice the University’s
commercial interests.

The University recognises that there can be a public interest in
understanding student enrolment patterns and trends.  However, as the
admissions cycle is still active, release of the requested information
could significantly weaken our current position by allowing competitors to
have a better understanding of our market share strategies and adapt their
own plans accordingly.  Consequently, the University’s position in this
specialist market would be undermined as competitors would be able to
tailor their own admission’s strategies to match or exceed our own
targets.  Grouped data can be disclosed once the cycle has closed, i.e.
from 1 December 2019.

2.         Whether the admissions team assesses the essay component of the
LNAT.

            Yes

3.         A description of the way in which the LNAT essay is assessed.
This should include the grading scale and assessment criteria used by the
assessors.

            The University does not use a grading scale.   It looks for
the following elements throughout:

·        Ability to construct a compelling argument and reach a conclusion

·        Good verbal reasoning skills

·        Ability to understand and interpret information

·        Their focus on the particular question asked

·        Clarity of expression and fluency of prose

·        A logical progression and structure

·        Reference(s) to relevant evidence

·        An ability to recognise, and address, counter-arguments

·        A concise and effective conclusion.

4.         A list of the scores awarded to offerholders for the essay
section of the LNAT for the 2018/2019 admission cycle.

The University confirms that it holds the information for 2018/19 that you
have requested.  However, the University declines your request for release
under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). 
Section 43(2) of the FOIA exempts information from release where its
disclosure under the Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the
commercial interests of any person.  As section 43(2) is a qualified
exemption, the University has conducted a public interest test and has
concluded that release of this data would prejudice the University’s
commercial interests.

The University recognises that there can be a public interest in
understanding student enrolment patterns and trends.  However, as the
admissions cycle is still active, release of the requested information
could significantly weaken our current position by allowing competitors to
have a better understanding of our market share strategies and adapt their
own plans accordingly.  Consequently, the University’s position in this
specialist market would be undermined as competitors would be able to
tailor their own admission’s strategies to match or exceed our own
targets.  Grouped data can be disclosed once the cycle has closed, i.e.
from 1 December 2019.

If you are dissatisfied with the University’s response to your freedom of
information request, you can ask us to internally review our handling of
your request, including the application of any exemptions applied.  To do
this, please email [1][Durham University request email] or write to:

Information Governance Unit

University Secretary’s Office

Durham University

The Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

Durham

DL1 3LE          

Please state the grounds on which you wish the decision to be reviewed and
enclose any other information that may be useful in considering the matter
further.  We aim to inform you of our decision within 20 working days from
the date your request for internal review is received.

If you are not satisfied with the results of the internal review you may
apply to the Information Commissioner's Office for an independent review.

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

[2]www.ico.org.uk

Yours sincerely

Information Governance Unit

Durham University

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Information Governance Unit, University Secretary’s Office

t: +44 (0) 191 33 46103/46246  e: [3][Durham University request email]

show quoted sections