AoC response to PQA consultation - May 2021

Also, it is important that some of the merits of the current system are retained and the weaknesses are addressed in the most cost-effective ways. [...] Students are not rational consumers and their decisions are based on more factors than simply how selective the provider they are applying to and will be informed by a range of information and contact they have with institutions as well as the advice and guidance they receive. [...] We believe the reforms need take a fuller view of the HE admissions- now and into the future where there will be an increased number of 18 year olds entering HE and more mature students wanting to enter HE to enable them to reskill or upskill. [...] It seems to retain few key strengths of the current system and will be less disruptive to providers in terms of the timescales however students will continue to rely on the judgement of teachers (with or without predicted grades) when making their choices so doesn’t address one of the key issues that the reforms are aiming to address. [...] Students do not simply choose their HE providers based on the elitist profile of universities but on the basis of institutions that are able to provide the environment and the support they need to succeed.