CFE students face nervous wait for uni

Last year saw a surge in university applications, allegedly due to positive bias teacher grading.

This year’s A-level and equivalent qualifications will continue to be teacher assessed.

UK universities are concerned that the combination of teacher-assessed grades, the relaxation of Covid restrictions and the number of applicants who deferred until this year will result in record high applications.

Some universities have reportedly made between 10% and 20% fewer offers to avoid potential overcrowding.

College of Further Education director of business development Jane Fears said there had been a slight increase in students from the college applying for university compared to the previous year, but not as many places being confirmed, as of yet.

‘There is a growing uncertainty with some students awaiting confirmation of their place at university and as we know this may not be confirmed as late as in August will only add to this.’

She added that the college is launching two new Higher National Certificates and diplomas in September to help supply higher education to islanders.

These will be in business and in digital technologies.

‘We hope this will give young people the option on studying at a higher level on island if they have potentially missed out on a place at the university course of their choice,’ she said.

Elizabeth College vice-principal Rick James said the school remained confident, as some students have been already been offered places at their chosen universities, including Oxford and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

He added that there has been no notable drop in numbers of Elizabeth College students applying for university.

‘All our students have worked extremely hard over the past two years despite challenging circumstances, and their offers and final grades, come results day in August, reflect the hard work and commitment they have shown in quite unprecedented circumstances,’ he said.