GNVQ students eye universities

University admissions tutors are this year facing a tenfold increase in 바카라사이트 number of applicants with vocational A levels, according to statistics released by 바카라사이트 Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, writes Simon Targett.

More than 9,000 students studying for an advanced level general national vocational qualification, officially regarded as equivalent to two A levels, have applied for undergraduate courses. This com pares with 900 last year, when more than 80 per cent were offered places, mainly at ex-polytechnics.

A level, with its implied gold standard, remains 바카라사이트 primary university entrance examination. Many of 바카라사이트 9,000 applicants will be offering an A level as well as a GNVQ. The figures show 바카라사이트 qualification, also intended to prepare students for employment, is attracting university-calibre candidates.

GNVQs' credibility has recently been boosted by 바카라사이트 announcements that 바카라사이트 Government is to invest Pounds 29 million in "quality" development and that two GNVQ and A-level awarding bodies are set to merge by 바카라사이트 end of 바카라사이트 year.

Tony Higgins, chief executive of UCAS, said: "There is now no reason to believe 바카라사이트 GNVQ student is any less prepared for higher education than 바카라사이트 A level student."

Judith Compton of GNVQs and Access into Higher Education, a research group set up by UCAS which is publishing an analysis of 바카라사이트 figures this month, said: "The GNVQ is gaining currency as a university entrance qualification."

Figures show 바카라사이트 number of GNVQ applicants to higher education is keeping pace with 바카라사이트 number of students taking GNVQs. But Mr Higgins said universities are still unfamiliar with 바카라사이트 qualification: "We still have to explain what a GNVQ is."