‘Downgrade felt like I had been tripped over at the finish line’
AN A-level student is in “utter despair” after the grades she was awarded denied her a guaranteed place at the University of Surrey to pursue a career in veterinary medicine – her dream since the age of three.
And despite the government’s U-turn Eloise Piggott, 18, from Ealing, who now has the grades she needs, says she is still in the dark about her future.
Based on her most recent mock exam results, Eloise had been predicted two A*s and an A in her subjects biology, chemistry and maths.
Schools were asked to use their experience to provide the grade they believed a student would have achieved had they sat exams this year by using homework assignments and mock exams as evidence. Following this process, Eloise’s Centre Assessment Grades (CAG) were three As.
It was more than enough to get her a place at the University of Surrey to study veterinary medicine; the course requirements were AAB.
However, on results day the university informed her she had not been given a place. Eloise was plunged into limbo and put on the waiting list instead.
Following moderation by a computer algorithm Eloise had officially been awarded ABB, missing her first choice requirements by one grade.
“It is complete and utter despair. I was crying my eyes out at the time. It was a sinking feeling because I have worked so hard for so many years.
“I have wanted to do this since I was three years old and it feels like not only have I fallen at the last hurdle, but it is as if the government stuck their foot out at the finish line. It was a horrible feeling,” she said.
Eloise has always wanted to be a vet and would have all the qualifications to pursue this career after the five-year course at the Guildford campus.
Prior to this week’s government climbdown, Eloise had asked to appeal her grades. Despite the news that results will now be based on CAG – which in Eloise’s case would mean AAA – there is still confusion over what this means for students.
Eloise said: “I am delighted that I am going to get the grades I need, however I am not sure whether I will get into my first choice university. I am still in the dark.”
The University of Surrey has promised to provide a place next year for any veterinary medicine applicant who has met the conditions of their offer but missed out on a place this year due to capacity restrictions.
A spokesman said on Tuesday: “We advise any student who missed their grade requirements, but now has the grades they originally required as a result of yesterday’s government announcement to contact us urgently.”