Universities UK has called for improvements to the advice and guidance on offer to young people applying to university after a survey by the Sutton Trust reveals that some teachers are unaware that the diploma is a suitable entry qualification.

The survey, conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research, found that just one fifth (21%) of the teachers surveyed thought that the diploma was suitable for those who want to go to university.

Responding to the survey results, Diana Warwick, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: "This is a new qualification so inevitably there will be a learning curve for everyone involved. But we are concerned that there is a perception among the teachers surveyed that the 14-19 diplomas are not appropriate qualifications for students aiming to go on to university.

"Diplomas provide a new route to higher education, and enable wider accessibility for students to develop the skills that best meet their aspirations. Universities have been involved in the development of diplomas in a bid to ensure they are fit for purpose for entry to university.

“It is crucial that students receive appropriate advice and guidance during their schooling and before applying to university to equip them to make informed decisions about course and university.”

Professor Michael Arthur, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds and a member of the Department of Children, Schools and Families’ experts’ advisory group on diplomas and 14-19 reforms, said: “It isn't clear to me which group of teachers have been polled (state schools, the independent sector or both), but the results of this survey show that we have to work harder on providing high quality information and training to those that are giving our 14-16 year olds advice and guidance about their future studies.

“Many higher education institutions have stated quite clearly on their websites, in their promotional materials and on the UCAS website the acceptability of the diploma as a suitable entry qualification. Like all new qualifications it is taking some time for this message to filter through. A similar problem is occurring in this survey with the Pre-U (only 36% of this group of teachers think that this is a suitable qualification for those who want to go to university), whereas its name alone gives a clear clue as to its purpose.”

The UCAS website shows that the vast majority of universities have publicly stated their acceptance of diplomas.

The issue is also being addressed by the Delivery Partnership where Professor Noel Lloyd, Vice Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, is leading on the work to raise awareness within higher education of a wide variety of new and existing qualifications put forward in applications, including the diplomas. It is also seeking to ensure that applicants entering HE via routes other than A-levels have access to full information on relevant entry requirements for each course.
ENDS

Notes

1. Journalists interested in interviewing Professor Michael Arthur, Professor Deian Hopkin (Vice Chancellor, London South Bank University and chair of the diplomas 14-19 advisory group) or Professor Noel Lloyd, should contact the Universities UK press office on 020 7419 5407 (out-of-hours: 07766 997 091) or email pressunit@universitiesuk.ac.uk

2. For further information about the Sutton Trust, visit: www.suttontrust.com

3. The UCAS website contains information on diplomas which includes statements from a number of universities regarding their view of the Advanced Diploma. Visit: www.ucas.ac.uk/students/beforeyouapply/diplomas/14-19diplomas/

4. Universities UK is the major representative body and membership organisation for the higher education sector. It represents the UK's universities and some higher education colleges. Its 133 members http://www.UniversitiesUK.ac.uk/members/ are the executive heads of these institutions. Universities UK works closely with policy makers and key education stakeholders to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector. Founded in 1918 and formerly known as the Committee for Vice-Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), Universities UK is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2008.