Oxford applicants challenging grades face year out

APPLICANTS to Oxford University who successfully appeal their A-level results have been told they may have to wait a year before they can start their courses.

Some students who achieve the top grades after challenging their results could have their places at Oxford deferred until autumn 2021 if the institution reaches maximum capacity.

The university said it would not be possible to meet “ongoing social distancing restrictions” and other challenges presented by Covid-19 if it went above its maximum intake of students.

The move comes after UK Universities Minister Michelle Donelan (left) told universities to hold places for applicants challenging A-level grades until they receive the outcome of their appeal.

On the suggestion that some applicants could be asked to defer places until 2021 if they appeal, shadow health minister Justin Madders tweeted: “Haven’t these kids gone through enough already?”

The Ucas deadline for applicants to meet their academic offer conditions is September 7, which leaves exam boards less than four weeks to issue outcomes of appeals.

The Government announced late on Tuesday that A-level and GCSE students in England will be able to use results in valid mock exams to appeal if they are unhappy with their results.

But schools, colleges and universities are still unclear how the new appeals process will work and what the likely timescale will be. On A-level results day on Thursday, Ofqual revealed that 39.1% of teachers’ estimates for pupils in England were adjusted down by one grade or more.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “We would encourage universities to show some flexibility about applications, and not to undermine the appeals process by insisting students must defer.”

❝ We would encourage universities to show some flexibility on applications