House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Higher Education Update
16 November 2020 · Department for Education
Proposed by Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government plans to consult various stakeholders on the potential implementation of a Post Qualification Admissions system.
- The aim is to develop and deliver PQA reform during the current parliament.
- The proposed reforms will not affect students for the current academic year.
Issue summary
The statement discusses policy developments for reform within the university admissions system, particularly the exploration of a Post Qualification Admissions (PQA) system.
Action requested
The government plans to consult universities, colleges, schools, students, and other interested parties over the coming months to develop a potential model of PQA reform. The aim is to deliver these reforms during the course of this parliament, but they will not affect students for the current academic year.
Key facts
- The government announced its intention to explore a Post Qualification Admissions (PQA) system on Friday 13 November.
- The PQA system would allow students to receive and accept offers after receiving their Level 3 grades.
- A recent poll by the Sutton Trust found that two-thirds of this year’s university entrants support removing predicted grades from university admissions.
- Universities UK confirmed its desire to work with government on moving to a PQA system.