Staffordshire University has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to base GCSE and A Level results in England on teachers’ assessments.
The announcement, which was issued by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and confirmed by Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP on Monday 17 August 2020, follows a period of significant uncertainty for students, many of whom received lower-than-predicted results due to the implementation of a controversial algorithm.
Professor Liz Barnes CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, welcomed the announcement as positive news for prospective students.
“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made this an incredibly challenging year for university applicants, who have not been able to sit their final exams” Professor Barnes commented.
“The uncertainty of the past week has served to compound this situation for thousands of young people, at a time when they were looking for clear and consistent guidance from official bodies.
“We therefore welcome the latest decision by Ofqual and the UK Government to base results on teachers’ assessments – and indeed any measures likely to benefit students. It is vital that grades reflect the hard work and commitment demonstrated by young people throughout this immensely challenging period, and we see this change of direction as a positive step.”
Staffordshire University is committed to ensuring that prospective students of all ages – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – are given opportunities to pursue higher education. The institution is considering a range of important factors when making offers for courses still available through clearing, including results, previous work experience, personal qualities such as commitment and perseverance, and applicants’ enthusiasm for their chosen courses.
Dr Alyssa Phillips, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at Staffordshire University, said: “We appreciate many prospective students may still be uncertain when it comes to their options, which is why we will remain as flexible as possible – helping to identify the courses that are right for them, and making offers that best suit their individual circumstances.
“We are doing everything we can to build an overall picture of prospective students as individuals, judging them on their merits rather than on results alone. At Staffordshire University, we don’t just look at grades; we see students’ potential.
“If you don’t believe your grades reflect your true abilities, or if you’ve only just started to consider university as an option, our message is simple: contact our team to learn more about our exciting courses and to find out how we can help you.”
With a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses available across various industry-focused subject areas, Staffordshire University is welcoming students of all ages through clearing. In addition to regional schools and colleges, the institution is working with local businesses and Staffordshire County Council’s Redundancy Taskforce to support individuals who face redundancy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, helping them to retrain, upskill and prepare for jobs of the future.
Students will also have access to a broad range of support services, including academic support and guidance, advice on physical health and mental wellbeing, financial assistance, and more.
Staffordshire University still has places for students in clearing across a variety of subject areas, including Computer Science, Games, Law, Business, Engineering, Creative Arts and Sciences.
To speak to one of Staffordshire University’s Clearing experts, call 0800 590 830. Alternatively, you can get an instant decision through our online offer generator by visiting staffs.ac.uk.