Method of giving points score for A-levels is outdated, says Ucas

The points-based university entrance system is to be reviewed, it was announced today.

Applicants now have a wider range of qualifications, not all recognised by the current tariff, the university admissions service Ucas said.

Under the current system A-levels and other qualifications are each given a "points score". Universities use these points to make offers to students.

Ucas said that when the system was introduced 10 years ago, A-levels were the main entry qualification for higher education. Now around half of UK applicants to universities apply with other qualifications.

There are also concerns the tariff system does not show how a particular qualification could be more appropriate for some courses than others.

Professor Sir Robert Burgess, chair of the Ucas Board and vice-chancellor of Leicester University, said: "The Ucas tariff has been very valuable to the higher education sector which uses it in many different ways to support the admissions process and understanding of qualifications.

"A review is appropriate at a time when applicants are using an increasingly diverse range of qualifications to progress in to higher education."

Ucas chief executive Mary Curnock Cook said: "Getting onto your chosen course in higher education has always been competitive. Ucas wants to make sure that everyone can understand the currency of particular qualifications for entry to particular courses and can make a realistic and successful application."

The review is expected to take between 18 months and two years.

Aaron Porter, president of the National Union of Students, said: "This review into the Ucas tariff is very encouraging. Students come with an increasingly diverse range of skills and experience and the application process should recognise these factors."

Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, said: "I'm very pleased Ucas is undertaking this review, because our universities admissions system needs to recognise the full range of modern qualifications, including apprenticeships.

"It is important to ensure that we value both academic and vocational qualifications, provided they are rigorous. That is the way to make sure people have the best possible chance to go on to higher education."

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