ASCL comment on UCAS 2021 end-of-cycle report

Commenting on the UCAS 2021 end-of-cycle report, Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are delighted to see the increase in the numbers of students being accepted at university, including a welcome rise in those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The increases have come despite the whole application cycle taking place during the pandemic, reflecting the tremendous efforts made by school and college leaders and their staff in guiding students through the process.

“We need to explore the detail around how many disadvantaged students are being accepted at the most selective universities or not but, overall, the UCAS data seems a reason for celebration.

“It should also serve as a reminder to the government that many students will have secured their place at university on the back of BTEC results and any plans to defund these qualifications should be immediately scrapped.”