§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how he will ensure that universities will accept as entry criteria qualifications achieved through the Government's proposals "14–19: Opportunity for Excellence"; and if he will make a statement; [105084]
(2) how many universities accept as entry criteria key skills achieved through Curriculum 2000; and if he will make a statement; [105085]
(3) what assessment he has made of the impact of Curriculum 2000 on university admissions policies; and if he will make a statement. [105086]
§ Margaret HodgeUniversities are responsible for their own admissions criteria. Many universities have responded to the flexibilities introduced by Curriculum 2000 to modify their entry requirements. Around 70 per cent. of universities have course admissions82W requirements which explicitly refer to AS levels. The corresponding figure for key skills is around 50 per cent. My right hon. Friend has asked Mike Tomlinson to chair a group to consider future strategy on 14–19 qualifications.