Change in school year could herald admissions reform

A new university applications system could be introduced in less than five years following reforms to the school year, writes Alan Thomson.

Tony Higgins, chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, believes that a post-qualifications applications system could be introduced for those entering university in 2006.

Recommendations from the Independent Commission on the Organisation of the School Year make it almost certain that schools will move to a six-term year by 2005-06. Pupils will receive the results of their A levels and equivalent level-3 qualifications in early July rather than in mid-August.

Ucas and vice-chancellors have long supported a move to a PQA system to do away with the uncertainty of the present arrangements.