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Higher Education Update

16 November 2020

Proposing MP
Gavin Williamson Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Education
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

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.
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