University admissions

Far-reaching reforms designed to end the middle-class hold on university places by making the admissions system fairer and more transparent were published by a government-appointed taskforce on Tuesday, although it admits that it does not have the power to force universities to toe the line.

Its recommendations include developing a universal aptitude test which would eventually be taken by all applicants, revamping the existing application form and urging universities to provide failed candidates with feedback about the reasons for their rejection.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Stakeholder Response: Secondary Heads Association

Dr John Dunford, SHA general secretary,  said: "I very much hope that, after 10 years of talking, PQA will at last be implemented by British universities. It is possible to overcome the practical difficulties that previously blocked the introduction of PQA. In October we will produce a report setting out a detailed plan for PQA, which will produce a fairer, more transparent and much more efficient application process for university.

 

"I welcome Professor Schwartz's recommendation that universities should set out more clearly the criteria on which offers will be made. At present the admissions process is a game, in which the applicants are not told all the rules.

 

"I welcome the recognition in Professor Schwartz's report that a more level playing field will be created if the background of applicants is taken into account by universities when making offers of places. I agree that state schools, many of which have excellent records in university admissions, do not need blanket discrimination in favour of their students. But potential, as well as achievement, should be taken into account in individual cases as Professor Schwartz proposes."

 

Stakeholder Response: Institute of Education

 

Dr Paul Temple of the Centre for Higher Education Studies at the Institute of Education said: "The high-profile nature of the current debate about university admissions reflects the increasingly central role played by higher education in national life. Not long ago, such matters would have been considered technicalities, but now they are recognised as directly relevant to people's life-chances.

 

"All universities go to great lengths to encourage 'the brightest and best' to apply to them. This is part of the inherent competitiveness of academic life: every university wants to be better, even those who say they are focused on local needs. This is one reason why universities are such long-lasting institutions.

 

"The idea behind much of this debate, that higher education can somehow compensate for what the sociologist Richard Sennett has called 'the hidden injuries of class', is questionable. Students from middle-class backgrounds will still do well in the inevitably competitive environment of higher education, even if applicants are reshuffled in a slightly different way."

 

Stakeholder Response: Professional Association of Teachers

 

Jean Gemmell PAT general secretarysaid: "Reforming the admissions system so students could make their university choices after their A level results would be a sensible move which would allow both students and universities to make informed decisions.  

 

"Students would be spared a great deal of stress and the administration of applications to higher education would be simplified.

 

"We would support making the whole admissions system fairer and more transparent. 

 

"Universities and colleges should take students' wider abilities and potential into account, not just their exam results, but the system should target suitability for a course and not be aimed at particular sections of society. There should be a level playing field for all but not social engineering. 

 

"We would have reservations about moving A level exams earlier in the year as this would leave less time for study.

 

"We also hope that there will not be a last minute scramble for places.

 

"Until we have been able to study the detail of the report itself and how it will be implemented, we will have concerns about these two conflicting issues of the timing of the exams and the confirmation of places."   

 

Stakeholder Response: Standing Conference of Principals

 

Prof Dianne Willcocks, SCOP chair and principal of York St John College, said: "SCOP fully supports the establishment of an implementation group on PQA as an important development in the drive towards a fairer admissions system. SCOP believes a considered and well structured post qualifications system will provide greater security for institutions and give students, both 18 year old and mature students, the best possible opportunity of presenting their academic and real world strengths to the full.

 

"SCOP looks forward to playing a full and active role in the implementation group so that discussions on PQA, in particular, take full account of the requirement for interviews, auditions and portfolio assessment for certain degree courses, including teacher training, art and design, drama and the performing arts, and the health professions and that these can take place in a reasonable timescale."