University admissions

Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 12:12 AM

Far-reaching reforms designed to end the middle-class hold on university places by making the admissions system fairer and more transparent were published by a government-appointed taskforce on Tuesday, although it admits that it does not have the power to force universities to toe the line.

Its recommendations include developing a universal aptitude test which would eventually be taken by all applicants, revamping the existing application form and urging universities to provide failed candidates with feedback about the reasons for their rejection.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Charles Clarke, education secretary, said: "I am concerned that over many years a system of post qualifications applications (PQA) has acquired the reputation of a holy grail for the higher education admissions world - desirable but not achievable.
 
"Although I am aware of the practical difficulties I remain persuaded by the arguments for such a system and think it is time to make it achievable."
 
Party Response: Liberal Democrat
 
Phil Willis, Liberal Democrat education spokesman, said: "It took the government seven years to recognise what students, parents and universities have known for a long time: it is fairer and easier for students to apply to university after they have received the results on which the whole admissions system is based."
 
Stakeholder Response: Universities UK
 
Ivor Crewe, president of the Universities UK umbrella group, said: "We look forward to working with this group to ensure that a PQA system is developed which is practical both for potential students and universities - as well as for other education stakeholders."

Stakeholder Response: Secondary Heads Association

Dr John Dunford, SHA general secretary,  said: "I very much hope that, after 10 years of talking, PQA will at last be implemented by British universities. It is possible to overcome the practical difficulties that previously blocked the introduction of PQA. In October we will produce a report setting out a detailed plan for PQA, which will produce a fairer, more transparent and much more efficient application process for university.