Best Schools - University entrance system could be overhauled so students only apply after they have their A-level

The higher education watchdog, The Office for Students (OfS), is to launch a major review later this year into the university admissions system.

It follows concern from ministers that universities have been engaging in “unethical” practises such as “pressure selling” unconditional offers to students.

While the OfS cannot dictate how individual universities make their offers, they are able to change the structures that govern the admissions system.

A review is likely to consider whether a post-qualifications admission system should be set up, where students only apply to university after receiving their A-levels.

This would remove the problem of institutions handing out unconditional offers which can lead to students slacking with their school work since they have a university place guaranteed.

It would also solve the solve the issue of unreliable predicted grades, where universities complain that teachers make unrealistic forecasts about what students are capable of achieving.

Independent School Finalists at the BBC Songs of Praise Young Choir of the Year 2019

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts have won the much-coveted BBC Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year 2019 competition for the second time in four years.

The final, which was aired on Sunday 2 June on BBC1, saw the Tring Park School Chamber Choir, also known as the Tring Park 16, compete in the senior category against NChant – Kent and Francis Holland School Senior Chamber Choir, London.

The choir impressed the judging panel with their performance of ‘Steal Away’. The judges included: vocal coach and TV presenter Carrie Grant; JB Gill from the acclaimed boyband JLS; and the tenor Russell Watson.

The competition final was presented by Aled Jones at The Victoria Hall, Bolton.