Tens Of Thousands Of A-level Pupils May Miss Out On First Choice University
New research has revealed that tens of thousands of A-level students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland could lose their preferred university spots next week due to a sharp decrease in top grades compared to last year. After a two-year academic period where exams were cancelled and work was teacher-assessed due to the pandemic, regulators were asked to set boundaries so that grades could be published halfway between 2019 and 2021. However, a 10% decrease in the number of A and A* grades is anticipated. Last year, 44.8% of grades received A or A*, but this is expected to drop to 35% (up from 25.5% in 2019).
The anticipated shift downwards in results may have political implications. The plan for this year’s A-levels was devised by Gavin Williamson, who was criticised for the government’s management of the pandemic’s educational impact. Labour has accused the Conservative government of having failed to assist students the pandemic has impacted, and of lacking extra measures in preparation for this year’s exams.
According to Professor Lee Elliot Major of Exeter University, the fallout from this year’s results could instigate a decade-long fundamental shift, with students competing for limited degree places instead of universities seeking to attract students. Up to 60,000 students applying to university could miss their accepted places, according to the Director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, Professor Alan Smithers.
On a positive note, this year’s results may show an improvement in male candidates’ success, as they may have benefitted from the reintroduction of exams compared to the teacher-assessed work of previous years. Psychology is now the second most popular A-level after maths, while English numbers continue to decrease.
According to an expert, the current environment of university admissions is becoming more competitive due to various reasons. Firstly, there is a significant increase in the number of students who are 18 years old and are seeking admission. Secondly, some institutions are reducing their capacity after accommodating additional students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, the ongoing recession has eliminated job opportunities, leading more students to consider higher education.
The expert emphasizes the need to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not overlooked in the admission process. He expresses his concern that students from state-run schools are falling behind their peers from private schools in terms of grades and urges authorities to address this issue.
The expert also predicts that post-pandemic, the biggest challenge for schools would be to bridge the academic divide that has come up in recent times. Failure to do so could have disastrous effects on the future generation.
The interim CEO of Universities UK believes that there will be plenty of opportunities available for students this year and most will have access to high-quality options. He also notes that universities take factors beyond grades into account when making decisions.
The Department of Education spokesperson emphasized that their priority is to ensure that universities’ offers are based on students’ expected grades. They remind students that while competition for places at prestigious universities can be tough, there are numerous options available for them, including vocational courses and clearing.
