To think this is the perfect time to switch to a post-A-level university application system?

[RickiTarr]

The powers that be are apparently nervous of endorsing anything that causes a “double cohort” in higher education next year and so they won’t encourage students to defer, take a year out etc. If they did it would help with the issue of students breaching anti-COVID guidance

OTOH, for decades now UCAS reform has been mooted, even preferred, but it is difficult to implement a post-results application system without causing a low-take up year in the Higher Ed sector.

So should we just grasp the nettle now and kill both birds with one stone (and other mixed metaphors)?

Somebody must want to come and tell me how very right I am?

I'll come and agree with you The pre results application system is a nonsense that needs binning.

Thank you @Porcupineintherough

They could bill it as some positive news in all the educational mess.

I agree with you, but then I am not in the UK and it is the traditional system where I am - you get you final grades and then you can see what you can do with them.

Completely agree. Now is the time to do this, there won't be a better time.

Yes I agree with you entirely. In fact I'd go as far as to say that the whole of the school system should be overhauled. Get everyone to repeat the current school year (mine will have missed the best part of 9 months out of 12 by Easter anyway) so that moving forwards, little ones start formal schooling age 5 (soon to turn 6) which is a much better age to start .

I've always thought it made sense to apply post results, but wouldn't it be a mad rush? Results not out til august, uni starting September?

Get everyone to repeat the current school year (mine will have missed the best part of 9 months out of 12 by Easter anyway) so that moving forwards, little ones start formal schooling age 5 (soon to turn 6) which is a much better age to start

That actually makes perfect sense, although it will too radical for some people to stomach.

@yearinyearout

I've always thought it made sense to apply post results, but wouldn't it be a mad rush? Results not out til august, uni starting September?

One option is to add a whole year of enrichment and projects on after A levels or equivalent, to make sixth form three years long.

That’s pretty much what they do in Ireland and the States.

Now I’m googling for a handy summary of Irish and US systems and I can’t find a succinct one. Maybe some nice Ireland and US educated people will come along and tell us what they think.

yearinyearout
We get results in June - so there is a lot of time.

Obviously you wouldn’t need clearing and adjustment any more, so that would take a chunk off the UCAS timeline.