Universities have been urged by government to be flexible in
their admissions ahead of A level results day this week.
In a letter to all Vice-Chancellors, the Universities Minister
has asked institutions to hold places for students appealing
their grades until they receive the outcome of the appeal, where
possible. The Minister has also said universities should take
into account a range of evidence when admitting students to
courses.
has made clear that the exam boards are
committed to doing all that is possible to resolve appeals for
affected candidates by 7 September – the deadline for applicants
to meet academic offer conditions.
In the letter, the Universities Minister has also confirmed that
the Government will exempt certain students who successfully go
through the appeals process from counting towards student
number controls held by individual institutions.
This exemption will apply to those whose grades are successfully
appealed, increased to meet the conditions of a university offer,
and their place confirmed because of this, ensuring they
are able to move onto their chosen route.
Universities Minister said:
“Nobody should have to put their future on hold
because of this virus. That is why I am urging universities to be
as flexible as possible in their admissions and to hold places
for those whose grades are being appealed.
“Our ambition for students this year is no different to any other
year and it is in everybody’s interest to see them progress.”
