Clarke warms to PQA

Universities UK was encouraged this week by Charles Clarke's first public statement in support of a six-term school year, seen as a precursor for a post-qualifications applications system to university.

UUK said it would study the implications. A six-term year could allow exams to be taken earlier and students to know their results before applying to university. But the Department for Education and Skills said there were "no implications" for higher education at this stage.