Government reforms ‘could rob able pupils of university chance’

Experts are predicting that there could be a slight increase in grades this year after results dropped for the first time in more than 20 years in 2012.

However, concerns have been voiced that changes to university admissions could mean that able teenagers who are predicted to score an A and two Bs in their exams and fall short will miss out on a coveted degree place.

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said this was because of changes to the rules which mean universities are allowed to recruit an unlimited number of students who get 
at least one A and two Bs at A-level.

The reforms are aimed at ensuring universities do not have to turn away the most able students because they are short of places. Last year universities could recruit unlimited numbers of AAB students but this year it has been lowered to ABB. The reforms have been criticised by university leaders including Leeds vice chancellor Prof Michael Arthur, who says it has created “unnecessary turbulence”.

One education expert has predicted that A-level results could rise slightly today as “practically-minded” students turn to studying vocational courses and apprenticeships. Prof Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at Buckingham University, said it was difficult to say what the pass rates would be this year, but it was possible the A*-C results could go up by tenths of a per cent.

Last year, the proportion of A-levels given at least an A grade fell for the first time in more than 20 years. Official figures for 2012 showed 26.6 per cent of the exams were given an A or A*, down from 27 per cent in 2011 – a record drop of 0.4 per cent.