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So we have @GavinWilliamson suggesting full-on PQA and @UniversitiesUK suggesting a slightly less dramatic PQO (O = offers) - so probably some kind of big change coming. While it’s important that universities are in a position to manage an efficient admissions system (cont..)
The most important thing in consulting on new proposals is to map any new process through the student lens. Alongside all the obvious benefits of a post-results system there are also some risks:
How will students fare with no conditional offers to motivate them? Will it make them anxious having no idea which university will accept them till after their results? Will there be plenty of advice and guidance available in the summer to manage, in effect, one big Clearing?
We know that Unconditional offers tend to depress exam grade achievement which means, in effect, that having a conditional offer is likely to boost achievement - how will students perform in the new system?
Will PQA (in whatever form) have the unintended consequence of putting more emphasis on exam achievement as the key hurdle to jump? Just when universities are getting better at doing more holistic assessment of potential where exam grades play a role but not the only role.
Will the new system be robust in the face of other changes that might be in the pipeline (now or in future) such as number caps, supply/demand balance, more modular, flexible pathways to getting a degree?
And don’t forget that as well as admissions, students also need student finance in place, and accommodation if they’re moving away from home
