Since the system was introduced ten years ago, UCAS has rated the level of qualifications and grades achieved by students and awarded a certain amount of points; these points are then used by universities to assess the aptitude of students and offer places on degree courses.

At the time the system was created, the majority of university applicants had A-Level qualifications. Now, however, only half  of university applicants pursue A-Levels prior to university, with many students achieving alternative qualifications. In light of this greater diversity, and the limitations of the current system in showing how one particular qualification may be of more value than another, UCAS are beginning a review into the points-based system which is expected to take up to two years.

Professor Sir Robert Burgess, chair of the UCAS Board and Vice-Chancellor of Leicester University, said: “The UCAS tariff has been very valuable to the higher education sector which uses it in many different ways to support the admissions process and understanding of qualifications. A review is appropriate at a time when applicants are using an increasingly diverse range of qualifications to progress in to higher education.”

The announcement has received support from both the National Union of Students and the Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, who said: “I’m very pleased UCAS is undertaking this review, because our universities admissions system needs to recognise the full range of modern qualifications, including apprenticeships. It is important to ensure that we value both academic and vocational qualifications, provided they are rigorous. That is the way to make sure people have the best possible chance to go on to higher education.”

The chief executive of UCAS, Mary Curnock Cook, added: “Getting onto your chosen course in higher education has always been competitive. UCAS wants to make sure that everyone can understand the currency of particular qualifications for entry to particular courses and can make a realistic and successful application.”

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