With A-levels in chaos, here's what that means for university applicants
For the second time only since 1858, students this summer will not sit formal public exams. After the rogue algorithm mangled grades last year, teachers this year will now have the final say on how students have done. But what does this mean for those applying to university?
Will universities take this year’s grades seriously?
Universities are predicting grade inflation again this year - possibly as high as 10 - 15 per cent. But exam regulator Ofqual says it will use checks and balances to ensure grades are “consistent and fair”, although they won’t cap them.
All universities are busily discussing what results will mean this year, says Amy Smith, associate director of admissions at Nottingham Trent University. “But really our main concern is to make sure that no applicant is disadvantaged by their circumstances or grades.”
Ofqual have now said (on 26/02) they’ll still use a tried and tested benchmarking method to gauge the ability of the would-be GCSE exam takers as a national year group, and say it will be the best test of the past year’s disruption for all concerned. ““Exam boards will provide training and guidance for teachers, and will put in place a range of quality assurance requirements so that that grades reflect a student’s attainment,” says an Ofqual spokesperson.
“This is good news,” says Grainne Hallahan, former teacher and examiner. “It would be awful to give students grades that nobody takes seriously.
If grades are higher this year, won’t popular courses fill up?
Universities say they’ll pull out all the stops to meet all the offers they’ve made. But inevitably there won’t be enough places on all courses, particularly at elite universities, and that will have a knock on effect for all applicants. Numbers studying popular subjects such as nursing, dentistry and medicine are already capped by government. Last year Cambridge couldn’t squeeze in every student who met his or her offer, and allowed successful applicants to defer or switch college, and the university has already said the same may happen again if courses are over full - or a student could choose another university instead. “The university is not planning to withdraw places from students who meet the terms of their offers,” says Dr Sam Lucy, director of admissions for the Cambridge Colleges.
“If demand means that a course is full, universities will help students find suitable alternative study choices,” says a spokesperson from Universities UK.
So student numbers will rise?
More young people than ever are applying to university, especially while the economy is in the doldrums. “There are more 18 year olds and fewer good alternative options, plus grade inflation could lower the entry bar,” says Nick Hillman, director of higher education thinktank Hepi. No doubt some universities have over extended, says Pete Edge, director of admissions at the University of Law. “But I think we’ll see record numbers of students placed at their first choice.”
What do we need to know about how we will be graded?
Before June, schools will determine what weighting and combination of students’ work, tests and mocks they’ll use to grade them. Teachers can choose to use tests supplied by exam boards too. They’ll submit grades to exam boards on June 18, and there may be spot checks from exam boards to check standards. “The problem is there are 4,000 schools and 4,000 different interpretations of official guidance,” says Lee Elliot Major, Professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter. “Every teacher in the land will be slightly different. My heart goes out to young people.”
Parents and students need to talk to teachers to find out how exactly they’ll be assessed, he says. Currently there’s no guidance for pupils with special educational needs, adds Hallahan.
But I’ve had a bad year - what should I do?
Some students have suffered huge disruptions this year, from illness, poor tech and teacher absence. They should let their chosen university know well before results day - details of how to apply for mitigating circumstances are on university websites. “And the sooner we know, the better,” says Smith. Though it’s unlikely universities will alter an offer, admissions staff will take it into account when grades are released, she says. Last year schools wrote supporting statements for pupils who’d suffered.
Concerned about gaps in new students’ knowledge, universities are working out how to help them catch up once they begin. “Universities must be aware about the widening gaps between rich and poor students,” says Elliot Major.
My teacher doesn’t like me - will I get a fair grade?
Teachers are human and the more they know their pupils the harder it is for them to be totally objective - that’s why exams work, says Hallahan. “Teachers are excellent at helping children improve, but there’s so much riding on these grades, they may want to err on the side of caution, and won’t want to disadvantage them with assessments that are too difficult.”
“I also worry that teachers have spent less time with their students than usual so may not know them as well,” says Hillman. Teachers will be trained by exam boards in awarding grades and heads of department will oversee all grading. Ultimately, an exam board will referee unresolved appeals.
I’m appealing my grade - will the university hold my place?
They will try to, says Hillman. Universities like taking on more students “but they don’t have rubber walls,” and they’re limited by both government and physical constraints. Students may be able to defer. “Or there might be some sort of negotiation - you might be offered another course,” says Elliot Major.
“We’ll need to know if you’re planning to appeal your grades,” says Ella Kirkbride, head of admissions at the University of Hull - and the offer will remain conditional until the appeal is resolved. But students will want to make sure the university will hold your place on an over-subscribed course - outcomes may not arrive until early September. “At the University of Law, we will absolutely hold a student place (pending an appeal),” says Edge.
Will universities make allowances for disadvantage?
Parents with sharp elbows will undoubtedly argue their child’s case, both during assessments and appeals, says Elliot Major. “It’s clear it will be open season for challenges to the grades awarded. But my fear with appeals is that the young people who need them most will be the least likely to take them up. Any grade inflation disproportionately affects more privileged students.” But universities have made great strides in the last few years towards fairer admissions and they won’t want to back track this year.
A level results are out on August 10 - will admissions timings change?
Expect places to be confirmed on results days - universities will know results in advance and can confirm places swiftly.
Will Clearing change this year?
Apart from being on a Tuesday rather than a Thursday, Clearing - the Ucas system to match students without a place to vacancies - will operate as normal, with the bulk of places offered from August 10 onwards. Some courses might have a higher tariff this year if there are fewer spaces, says Kirkbride. Every year numbers of applicants using Clearing are rising. “It’s for students to shop around if they’ve changed their mind, and it’s a viable route for those who haven’t met their grades,” says Smith. Another Ucas process - Adjustment - allows students who’ve done better than expected to trade up.
