Universities 'must give something back to students' says Leicester Vice-Chancellor

Universities “must do what we can” for students, because the pandemic has “already taken so much away”, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester said today.

Professor Canagarajah was responding to the Education Secretary’s announcement that A level students can use grades in mock exams to progress to degree courses. He emphasised how “we don’t want the Class of 2020 to feel any more worry about how decisions are made about their future.” 

The University of Leicester will now offer places based on a student’s mock A-level results as well as their published results - whichever is higher - regardless of whether they decide to appeal or to wait for appeal outcomes.

Speaking today, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester said:

“The pandemic has already taken so much away from A-level students around the country, we universities must do what we can to give them something back.

“We want tomorrow to be as stress free as possible, so the University of Leicester will now offer places based on a student’s mock A-level results as well as their published results - whichever is higher - regardless of whether they decide to appeal or to wait for appeal outcomes.”

“Government policy may change, but whilst we wait for clarity around today’s announcement, the University of Leicester is driving forward its commitment to inclusivity and education for all; we will consider every student on an individual basis and be flexible in our decisions, giving everyone the opportunity to study with us in September.”

Students who are accepting or applying for a clearing place at the University will be required to validate their mock results via their school, in order to firmly secure their place. Their place is reserved until firm evidence is provided.

In addition, University of Leicester is offering a range of sessions to support students and parents.  Our sessions offer advice and guidance on a range of topics – including Instagram campus tours, a live advice hub for teachers and a virtual parents evening for prospective students’ parents.

The University’s clearing hotline is open from 7am until 7pm for Clearing.