UCU welcomes government aim to widen scope for university admissions

Commenting on the plans announced by the Innovation, Universities and Skills Minister, John Denham, UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Education is one of the great drivers of social mobility and it is right and fair that everybody has the opportunity to fully maximise their potential. We are pleased the government has recognised that much more needs to be done to ensure that students apply for the courses that give them the best chance to realise their potential.

'We know that A-level results alone are not a good indicator of potential and ability, and studies show that students from disadvantaged backgrounds with lower A level grades actually outshine students from higher socio-economic groups when they get to university.'