ASCL comment on government announcement on post-qualifications admissions

Commenting on the Department for Education’s announcement on post-qualifications admissions as part of the consultation on its higher education policy statement and reform, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“The government’s decision to reject a post-qualifications admissions system for higher education seems like a missed opportunity. It would appear to have been put in the too-difficult drawer.

“There are arguments for and against such a system, but its potential merits include placing students in a stronger position when applying for courses with their results in hand. It could also address the difficulty in providing accurate predicted grades, the subjective nature of personal statements, and the excessive use of unconditional offers in recent years.

“Nevertheless, we accept that there are significant logistical implications in the introduction of this type of system, and that, if nothing else, the idea has now been thoroughly considered.

“We are pleased that the government has set out its intention to tackle the problems which have been identified in the current system and we look forward to the results of this work.”