UA has today, Thursday 13 August, reacted to this year’s A-level results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Commenting on students receiving their results, Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, said:
“A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. We know how hard you have all worked for this, and although the school year hasn’t ended the way you expected, you should be really proud. For those considering their options, I encourage you to think about your future and explore the full range of institutions available. Employers are looking for more and more graduates who can hit the ground running.
“That’s why I’m proud to be say that Alliance universities always rate highly when it comes to preparing job-ready graduates. They are known for their access to practical training and for working closely with employers to develop forward thinking, problem solving and entrepreneurial graduates – the workforce of today and tomorrow.”
Reacting to the Government’s ‘triple lock’ promise for England and Northern Ireland, Vanessa Wilson said:
“The late hour of this change in government policy created unnecessary additional stress for learners and a number of challenges for universities, but applicants should be reassured that universities are incredibly flexible and will do what they can to best support students to realise their ambitions in these unusual circumstances.
“Students shouldn’t panic, and approach their application as planned, finding the course that’s right for them. They should explore the full range of institutions available and consider what will give them the best student and educational experience.
“We will be working alongside our members and with the Department for Education to identify resolutions to the challenges this new pledge presents.”
Speaking about applicant demand this year, Vanessa Wilson said:
“We are pleased to see increasing numbers applying for university this year. Given the transformational experience that awaits them this is a fact that should be celebrated, not derided. A degree provides you with that extra edge, that critical and analytical thinking along with the valuable life lessons along the way.
“To meet the challenges of Covid, there will be a need for more of these skills, not less. As we look to the future, Alliance universities, which sit at the very nexus of higher education and industry, will be essential to the national, social and cultural recovery effort in the months and years ahead. Nowhere is this more evident than in the NHS, where Alliance universities are training over a quarter of the nation’s nurses; supplying the next generation of frontline workers.”
