University chiefs want overhaul of unconditional offers system
Unconditional offers are “reducing the motivation and quality” of sixth-form education and lead too many students to the wrong university or degree, according to several college leaders.
In a letter to The Times they call for sweeping changes to the widespread practice of making unconditional offers on the proviso that a student makes the university their firm choice.
The group, which includes the principal of King’s College London and the vice-chancellors of Brunel, Buckingham and Hertfordshire universities, says that these offers skew students’ choices of university.
Sixth-formers who fear they may not perform well at A level will accept an unconditional offer from their fourth or fifth choice of university so that they can be sure of a place, rather than risk holding out for…