Commenting on Gavin Williamson's announcement of a review of the
university admissions system, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General
Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The proposal to move to using real, rather than predicted A
level grades to allocate higher education places is overdue and
welcome. It has the potential to eradicate some of the weaknesses
in the current system, in particular the under-estimation of
predicted grades for disadvantaged students. It should also
eliminate any bad practice of unconditional offers which can tie
students into courses which are not most suited to their
interests and to their future career prospects.
"However, whilst offers rely so heavily on grades - even when
made after results are received - admissions will only ever be as
fair as the system which awards these grades.
"To truly have ‘fair’ admissions we need a fairer qualification
system in England - one which is fit for purpose for the 21st
century. Currently, grades are based on exams at the end of the
course and this disproportionately benefits those who have
greater means to prepare for such exams. Covid has exposed a
range of inequalities baked into the grading system in England,
as well as the way home learning environments are deeply unequal.
That is why the National Education Union has called for a review
of the system in its recent Fair Grade petition.
"Any move to post-qualification higher education admissions is
going to require careful thought and planning. We expect teachers
and leaders to be consulted, and fully involved throughout."
