Most students ‘still plan to go to university despite grade uncertainty’

MORE than four in five A-level students are still planning to start university or college this autumn despite disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a survey suggests.

The findings, published by Ucas, came after this summer’s GCSE and A-level exams were cancelled in a bid to slow the spread of Covid19.

Instead, pupils’ grades will be based on teacher assessment.

The majority of applicants studying A-levels (86%) have not changed their mind about wanting to study in higher education this year, according to the universities’ admissions service.

But 5% of school leavers are currently planning on sitting their exams in the autumn term.

The poll, carried out by Ucas and YouthSight, questioned 500 A-level students who have applied to study at UK universities and colleges in the autumn.

Three in five respondents have chosen their first choice of university, with the majority of those choosing a conditional offer – an offer that is dependent on achieving specified grades.

Just over a quarter (27%) have received all their offers but they are still waiting to make their firm choice, as deadlines have been extended to give them more time to make decisions about their futures.

Applicant behaviour in this year’s cycle is currently consistent with previous years, with no significant moves to defer entry, according to Ucas.

Clare Marchant, Ucas’s chief executive, said: “Our immediate insight during these extraordinary circumstances shows students are keeping their sights on the exciting futures that lie ahead for them at university or college.

“With additional flexibility already introduced into this year’s application cycle, everyone should take the time they need to confidently make considered, fully thought through decisions.”

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We are pleased to see that most applicants have not changed their mind about wanting to start university or college this autumn, and we would emphasise that there is no need for anybody to alter their plans.

“The decision to cancel exams will have been extremely unsettling.

“But we can reassure students that everything possible is being done to ensure they are awarded grades as fairly and consistently as possible through a system of moderated assessment, and that they will be able to progress to the next stage of their education in the normal way.”