19 August 2010
A-level results - ambition and attainment not matched by an increase in places
Today (Thursday) as thousands of students open their A-Level results, million+ welcomed the rise in attainment and aspiration but expressed concern that there remains a serious mismatch between demand for university places and supply.
Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Today should be about celebration. Year on year increases in attainment mean we have record A-level pass rates and more students than ever before seeking places at university. It is testament to teaching standards and sheer hard work of students that we are seeing such fantastic results today.
“However, today is likely to prove a very challenging day for many trying to find a place at university. It will be a tragic waste of talent if we see thousands of applicants left without a place in 2010. The Government has done the right thing by funding 10,000 additional places but it seems that the aspirations of young people and many older applicants have simply not been matched by the total number of places on offer.
“Responding to the likely shortage of places will be a serious first test for the Government’s commitment to social mobility. Simply telling applicants to try again next year is unlikely to solve the problem. This year a staggering 56,960 applications have been received from people who had previously applied – a 24% increase compared to 2009.
“It makes no sense that well-qualified students may miss out just because they happen to have turned 18 in 2010 or because have found themselves unemployed in their 30s and 40s, as a result of the recession, and have identified a course which will increase their chances of employment in the future. Rather than tell applicants to lower their expectations, the Government must give serious thought to what more it could do for disappointed applicants. Many modern universities recruit again in January and would be delighted to offer places to well-qualified applicants.
“Whilst early indications have suggested that there may be limited places in clearing this year, there will be places for those that act quickly. However, it’s a ridiculous situation that those close to the phone or a computer with fast broadband may be the lucky ones who secure a place.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education www.millionplus.ac.uk
- For more information, comment or interviews from million+ please contact Victoria Mills on 020 7717 1659 or 07900 277819