UK universities could make unconditional offers as GCSE and A-levels cancelled

Universities UK says students should not 'lose out' on going to university this year

Universities to look at giving students unconditional offers as Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson closes schools and cancels exams. EPA/EDDIE MULLHOLLAND/DAILY TELEGRAP

Universities could offer students unconditional offers following the cancellation of GCSE and A-level exams.

It comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that schools will close on Friday for the foreseeable future in a bid to halt the rapid spread of coronavius in the UK.

More than 5 million students were due to take A-level and GCSE exams in May.

On Thursday, Universities UK (UUK) said students should not lose out on going to university this year and is working with the government to ensure this will still happen.

Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “We are facing unprecedented challenges as a country, and universities continue to respond in the best interests of their students, staff and their local communities. The health and wellbeing of all students and staff is the number one priority and a range of measures are being taken to keep university communities well-informed, supported and safe.

“We await further information following Wednesday’s announcement that school exams will not go ahead.

"Students should not lose out on the opportunity to go on to university this year because of the challenges posed by the pandemic. We are committed to working closely with the government, UCAS, examination regulators and school leaders on the practical implications of this and hope there will be clarity on this for students, parents, teachers and university admissions staff as soon as possible.”

Mary Curnock Cook, the former chief executive of Ucas, which administers university admissions in the UK, believes that institutions will now use unconditional offers to award places.

She tweeted: "Is coronavirus going to turn this year’s confirmation and clearing into one big Unconditional offer?

"Today, the answer to my question from a week ago is probably Yes."

The UK government is due to unveil its plans on Friday.

A source has said the impact of unconditional offers could have a big affect on selective universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Clare Marchant, UCAS’ Chief Executive, said: "We will be working through the implications of Wednesday’s announcements for students, teachers, universities and colleges over the coming days, which was one of the scenarios we were planning for.’

"Flexibility within the admission process will be enhanced and extended to deal with the coronavirus outbreak and the announcement that there will be no exams this year. We are confident that our team and systems are ready to adapt throughout the spring and summer.

"As soon as any changes are confirmed, students will be emailed to explain how this might affect them, so it’s important they keep their email address up to date in Track. We will also communicate further and extend support to all of customers during these challenging times."

Despite the closure of institutions, UUK said universities have put measures in place to care for international students who are unable to return home.

Mr Jarvis added: “The government understands that universities must continue some essential services and cannot fully be locked down given students living on many campuses and some areas of research that cannot be left unmonitored.

"Universities are particularly mindful of international students who are separated from friends and family and may be unable to travel because of the pandemic.

"Universities will continue to do all they can to support those remaining on campuses and keep them safe, and are regularly communicating with students and staff to provide them with timely and accurate information."