§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that the quality of graduates is not impaired by policies of wider access. [132531]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 25 July 2000]The Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing standards in higher education as access is widened.
The A-level point scores of entrants is the same now as it was 10 years ago when participation was much lower. Details are given in the table.
867W
Home domiciled students entering full-time and sandwich first degree courses in England Year Average A level points score 1990–91 18 1991–92 18 1992–93 18 1993–94 18 1994–95 18 1995–96 18
Home domiciled students entering full-time and sandwich first degree courses in England Year Average A level points score 1996–97 19 1997–98 19 1998–99 19 1999–2000 18 Notes:
1. Scores related to those obtaining two or more A level passes subject to a maximum score of 30 points which is equivalent to three grade A passes at A level or AS level or combinations of A/AS level passes, treating AS level scores as half the equivalent A level score. The points for each A level grade are as follows: A = 10, B = 8, C = 6, D = 4, E = 2.
2. Figures from 1994–95 are based on UCAS entrants only, figures prior to that are based on all entrants.