Some of the key points for students who are applying to university are:
For students due to start university in September 2020
• Students should be making firm and insurance choices as normal. Students should make an informed decision using online open days and guidance from their school/college.
• Clearing will open as usual from July (for students who didn’t get a place in first round of offers) and Clearing Plus is a new tool to help students find courses which their calculated grades make them eligible for. This which will be open from Results Day.
• Adjustment will operate as usual.
• UCAS Track will be open from 8.00am on Thursday 13 August.
• It is possible that the university year will start later by a few weeks. Students can expect universities to offer a mix of face-to-face and online learning. Some courses will possibly change the order of course content – e.g. moving practical sessions to later in the year to support learning. Freshers’ Week activities may move to later in the year. University accommodation should be flexible about rental start dates.
2020 calculated grades
• If students are disappointed with their calculated grades they will have the chance to resit. The autumn series of exams is likely to be in November 2020, and as such it is unlikely that Year 13 students will be able to take these exams and get the results in time for a 2020 start at university.
• It is not expected that a large number of students will be taking resits or appealing their grades. This is because schools are issuing centre assed grades to exam boards. Schools should factor in extenuating circumstances and as such there should be fewer grounds for appeal this year than in previous years.
• UCAS and universities will discuss whether Year 13 students who take the autumn 2020 exams or summer 2021 exams can roll their current UCAS application forward for entry at a later point. This has not happened in the past so would be unusual, however it is being considered as an option.
For current Year 12 students
• At present the Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary science (MDV) deadline is currently still being held as the 15 October 2020.
• Some advisors expressed concern regarding the accuracy of the UCAS predictions issued by schools. For highly competitive courses such as MDV and Oxbridge courses, other entrance exams might play an enhanced role this year.
The current landscape can feel quite daunting and the AKEB is here to support students with any help they may need. If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact the AKEB team on [email protected].
Information correct as of 6 May 2020
