ASCL comment on predicted fall in ‘conditional unconditional offers’

Commenting on the UCAS forecast of a significant decline in ‘conditional unconditional offers’ in 2020, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 

“We are pleased that UCAS is forecasting a significant decline in so-called ‘conditional unconditional offers’ in 2020. However, we are concerned this will simply be replaced by other marketing tactics such as direct unconditional offers. 

“This type of offer is marginally better because students do not have to make the university their firm choice in exchange for the offer being unconditional. And there are recognised circumstances in which it is used well, such as in support of students with mental health difficulties.

“However, the widespread use of any type of unconditional offer as a means of putting bums on seats will continue to lead to students ending up on courses which may not be the best choice for them and taking their foot off the pedal in their A-levels. 

“We encourage students to disregard these inducements and to select university courses on the basis of what excites their interest and reflects their ambitions. They will be paying back the cost of their university course for many years to come and they should spend their money well.”