University points system to be overhauled

Ucas, the national university admissions service, has announced a wholesale review of the system under which A-levels and other qualifications are allotted points scores which universities use to make offers to prospective students.

The review, expected to take up to two years, will consider whether a more complex method should be adopted which reflects how particular qualifications are more appropriate for some courses than others. Ucas has expressed concern points scores are being taken at "face value" by institutions without offering any real understanding of an applicant's suitability. The body is also unhappy some firms are using the scores to assess prospective employees.

Professor Sir Robert Burgess, chairman of the Ucas Board, said: "A review is appropriate at a time when applicants are using an increasingly diverse range of qualifications to progress in to higher education."

Ucas said that when the points system was introduced a decade ago, A-levels were the main entry qualification for higher education – now around half of UK applicants to universities apply with other qualifications, some of which are not covered by the tariff system.

The review, which will not affect existing applicants, has been welcomed by the Government and by student bodies.