Admissions officers at UK universities believe that a wider choice of post-16 qualifications will be better for the country, but are concerned about the lack of government commitment to maintain A-levels and the withdrawal of plans to fund the extension of the International Baccalaureate (IB), according to new research released today. The results from the third annual survey of admissions officers at UK universities, commissioned by ACS International Schools, show that the increase in diversity of qualifications is welcomed, with 57 per cent saying that increased exam choice will be better for society in the long run and only 16 per cent saying it would not.

Admissions officers welcomed the introduction of the new Diplomas, with 59 per cent saying that many more schools should now consider teaching them. Over half, 53 per cent, feel that they mark a positive step forward in teaching and learning style. But many are concerned by suggestions that the Diploma could completely replace the A-level, with 63 per cent saying that A-levels should not be phased out at all. A sizable minority, 45 per cent, expressed concern that such dramatic changes in exam choices is treating this generation as ‘guinea pigs’.

The IB continues to be highly regarded by admissions officers, with more citing the IB as the best preparation to thrive at university than all other qualifications combined. Over a third, 35 per cent, specifically name the IB as providing the best preparation for students to thrive at university, compared to 18 per cent who cite A-levels. Just eight per cent feel the Pre-U is the best preparation for university, and six per cent the new diplomas. A third were unable to express a view at this time, perhaps due to the newness of some of the qualifications.

Over two thirds, 67 per cent, feel the Government’s announcement that it would not provide funding for one IB school in each local authority was a disappointing move. A similar number, 68 per cent, also believe that having more state schools and colleges offering the IB would be effective in encouraging a wider group of people to engage and thrive in Higher Education. Responses also suggest that the IB has continued to grow in popularity, with 55 per cent reporting a noticeable increase in applications from students with the IB. This is the third year in a row that a sizeable number of admissions officers have seen such an increase.

Although welcoming the new Diplomas, a lot of uncertainty was expressed, with a quarter of admissions officers still feeling unable to comment on the subject, despite their planned introduction in September. Opinion was mixed as to whether they would provide a sufficient academic challenge; 35 per cent believe they probably would provide enough challenge for academically gifted students, but over a quarter, 28 per cent, say they will not.

Strong support remains for maintaining the A-level, but there are continuing concerns over how well it prepares students for university and its ability to distinguish between the best students. Over half of respondents, 53 per cent, do not think that A levels will be perfectly fit for purpose even with the new A star grade, which is to be introduced in 2010.

One admissions officer commented “It would be good to see the IB rolled out further and run in tandem with A-level. A-levels need to recover creative thinking elements and skills needed for university study.”

Asked their views on the new Cambridge Pre-U, 37 per cent do not feel that it offers a ‘very different set of values to A-levels, the IB and the new Diplomas’. A further 39 per cent do not feel they know enough about it to comment. The responses highlighted that many lack information on the qualification, but individual comments suggest that most would approach it with an open mind and give it chance to develop.

This year’s report also highlights a growing recognition amongst admissions officers of the need to compete internationally for students, with 94 per cent saying that this was the case. Around three quarters, 78 per cent felt this was also the case for research funding, and 71 per cent for staff. Over half, 53 per cent, stated that they feel the IB is the best preparation for international study or an international career, compared to just 16 per cent who felt the same about the A-level. Just two per cent felt that this could be said about the Diplomas and the same for the Cambridge Pre-U.

ACS International Schools Superintendent Malcolm Kay said:

“Preparation of graduates for success in the global market should be a high priority for all educators. It is doubtful that educational programmes that have their roots in traditional long established practices can deliver in a world that is moving at exponential pace. Education must take on the mantle of internationalism.”

Admissions officers were generally positive about the range of qualifications but expressed concerns over how their introduction was being handled. Whilst supporting the new qualifications, many were concerned about the lack of effective communication around them: one stressed that “Students should receive good advice and guidance at an early stage as to the best qualification for their intended career path” and another said that they were “worried about the confusion of qualifications and the lack of information and guidance available.”

“There is a primary need for the public to understand the educational programmes that are being provided for our children,” says Kay.

“Drift of communication about the values of existing A levels and the new UK diplomas is causing uncertainty.

“The global market requires global solutions and global educational systems. How else can the young people of today be expected to achieve success in their future careers?”

Footnote

This research project was devised and delivered by the Twelve Consultancy (MMRS, PRCA) on behalf of ACS International Schools. The survey is based on telephone interviews with 51 university admissions officers working in a range of different university types across the UK. The telephone interviews were conducted by Stormark (DMA, TPS) between 15th April 2008 and 6th May 2008. All research was conducted according to the Market Research Society Code of Conduct.

There are currently 106 universities in the UK. There are also 168 Higher Education Institutions giving a total of 274 degree awarding institutions. The 51 admissions personnel who took part in this survey were drawn from all different HEI types across the UK

About ACS

ACS International Schools were founded in 1967 to serve international and local communities. The schools are non-sectarian and co-educational (day and boarding), enrolling approximately 2,600 students aged 2 to 18 years.

Each school offers a fully international curriculum including the International Baccalaureate. All schools have state-of-the-art facilities and an on-going programme of building investment with impressive grounds. The strong core academic programme and extensive arts, sports and cultural activities support the school’s student-centred philosophy.