The terms of reference of the project are as follows: To report to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on the options which English institutions providing Higher Education should consider adopting in assessing the merit of applicants and their achievement and potential for different types of courses. To report on practical implementation of such options using evidence-based good practice. To report on the high-level principles underpinning such approaches which institutions would be expected to adopt. The Group should consider in particular: a) the need to reinforce public confidence in the fairness and transparency of admissions arrangements. b) the diversity in the missions of providers of Higher Education, and of their students. c) maintaining the autonomy of institutions in academic matters including the systems and processes by which applicants are admitted. The report to the Secretary of State should be submitted by summer 2004 following a period of consultation with universities and the wider public.