Admissions process reviewed

UNIVERSITIES will be consulted later this year on proposals to change the admissions process and do away with the present system of conditional offers, writes Alan Thomson.

The proposals involve bringing forward A-level results to the beg-inning of August. The admissions process would begin after results day. People would only apply to institutions and courses for which they knew they were qualified.

A sub-committee, chaired by Coventry vice-chancellor Michael Goldstein, has completed draft proposals to be formed into a consultation document due for publication later this year.

Dr Goldstein said: "The key is not necessarily bringing exams forward but using new technologies to get the results out quicker. The intention is to do away with the system of conditional offers."

Proposals are likely to retain a form of clearing or second round process to "mop up" those who fail to find places, even though they are suitably qualified.