ASCL responds to UCAS figures on students planning to start university

“We welcome the fact that so many students are defying the doom-mongers and are planning to start their university courses in September as normal.

“We can understand why some students may want to defer their place because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus emergency, but we don’t think there is anything to be gained if it ends up with them sitting at home for a year.

“Schools and colleges have worked incredibly hard to provide centre-assessed grades following the decision to cancel this year’s GCSEs and A-levels.

“We are confident that the process being followed will provide students with qualifications which are every bit as valid as in any other year, and will allow them to progress to the next stage of their lives in the normal way.”