Calls for Government to support universities after ‘late’ U-turn on A-levels

The Government must “step up” and support universities now facing further challenges created by its U-turn on the way A-level results are awarded, a leading education body has said.

Universities UK chief executive Alistair Jarvis has called for “urgent clarification” from the Government and advice on a number of “crucial issues” following its policy change on Monday.

He warned that while 70% of students were placed with their first-choice institution, those who are not should “think carefully about their next steps” and seek advice from their preferred university.

It comes as the Government announced it will allow for A-level results to be based on teachers’ predicted grades for their students, rather than an algorithm aimed at standardising results.

Mr Jarvis said: “Today’s policy change will mean that more students will have the grades that match the offer of their first-choice university.

“This will cause challenges at this late stage in the admissions process – capacity, staffing, placements and facilities – particularly with the social distance measures in place.

“Universities will do everything they can to work through these issues in the days ahead.

“The Government will need to step up and support universities through the challenges created by this late policy change. We are seeking urgent clarification and advice from Government on a number of crucial issues.”

Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, which represents 24 leading universities, said support was needed to help with expected increases in student numbers.

He said: “We know the changing situation is creating uncertainty for students and universities.

“However, there are limits to what can be done by the university sector alone to address that uncertainty without stretching resources to the point that it undermines the experience for all, not to mention ensuring students and staff are kept safe as we follow the steps needed to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There are also practical constraints on capacity for programmes that depend on specialist facilities or placements.”

University College London (UCL), meanwhile, called on the Government not to fine institutions “who keep their promise to students”, referring to the temporary student number controls that were imposed this year.

Universities in England had only been allowed to recruit 5% more UK students than their targets this year to prevent institutions from over-recruiting to make up for lost revenue as a result of Covid-19.

However, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said on Monday the student numbers cap would be lifted.

A UCL spokeswoman said: “For those students who have met our offer to study medicine based on teacher-assessed grades but do not yet have a place confirmed, we are working with the relevant agencies about places this year and we will guarantee a deferred place for next year.

“We call on the Government not to fine universities who keep their promise to students.”

In all, almost 40% of all A-level grades were downgraded after exams regulator Ofqual used an algorithm based on schools’ previous results.

Critics have complained the algorithm to make the adjustments had penalised pupils in schools in more disadvantaged areas, while benefiting those in private schools.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) said 193,420 of 18-year-old main scheme applicants across the UK were placed with their first-choice university, which is higher than at the same point last year.

Students who have not got into their first-choice institution should seek advice from their parents or teachers before contacting the university, a Ucas spokesman said.

“Once your university has your ‘centre assessed grades’ via exam bodies, they can make a decision as to whether there is a place at your preferred choice,” the spokesman added.

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