The Education Secretary has backed a review which will consider whether students should apply to university after getting their A level results
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has backed a review of university admissions, which will consider whether students should apply to university after getting their A level results alongside other options.
In a letter sent today to universities regulator, the Office for Students, Mr Williamson welcomes the review and urged the regulator to set as high a bar as possible on quality in the sector, so universities are focused on reducing drop-out rates and ensuring the best possible value for money.
The Education Secretary also made clear that he supported the OfS’ intention to look seriously at the rise of unconditional offers and whether ‘conditional unconditional’ offers breach consumer law.
He outlines his support for the OfS’ review of admissions to look into the benefits and challenges of a Post Qualification Applications system, where students would apply to university after receiving their A level results.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
The guidance comes after the publication of the OECD Education at a Glance report last week, which highlighted the wide-ranging outcomes and earnings for graduates, and Andreas Schleicher, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, reiterated the importance of having quality assurances in higher education.
As the regulator for higher education in England, the OfS plays a vital part in ensuring students and taxpayers are getting value for money. The guidance letter sets out the Education Secretary’s priorities for higher education and his expectations for the OfS’ work, including: