'Soft' A-level warning for pupils

Pupils should be told universities do not treat all A-levels equally, says report

More needs to be done to warn pupils that choosing a "soft" A-level subject could limit their choice of university course, a think-tank says.

Only two top universities publish a list of "non-preferred" subjects, the Policy Exchange report claims.

In January, the Russell Group of top research institutions warned that state pupils especially could be hampered by choosing "soft subjects" at A-level.

The report says universities and schools must make things clearer.

It says that only Cambridge University and the London School of Economics publish lists of less-preferred subjects, while other universities offer no clear advice about subjects that could count against students.

Cambridge's list has 20 A-levels which could be considered "less effective" in applications - including accounting, business, dance, ICT, media studies, sports studies and travel and tourism.

It can be confusing and that is why several years ago we took the decision to make our procedures quite clear Catherine Baldwin Head of admissions at LSE

However, many do provide information on what A-level subjects and grades are required for each particular course.

But pupils may well have chosen their A-levels before deciding which universities or courses they intend to apply to.

The report says: "The task facing schools in providing accurate and useful higher education advice is a daunting one.

"Considering the sheer number of undergraduate courses available in the UK, coupled with subtle, ever-changing requirements in universities' admissions policies, it is perhaps understandable that some schools are falling behind."

However, some schools were failing to provide even the most basic advice, it adds.

"It is not acceptable for schools to rest on their laurels and blame universities.

"An increased focus on the quality of higher education advice is urgently needed across the sector, and in non-selective state schools in particular," the report says.

'Another hurdle'

Catherine Baldwin, head of admissions at the London School of Economics, which does publish a non-preferred A-level list, told the researchers: "It must be very difficult for schools to keep on top of admissions, given that every university has its own procedures.

"It can be confusing and that is why several years ago we took the decision to make our procedures quite clear."

'SOFT' SUBJECTS Art and Design Drama Studies Film Studies Media Studies Accounting Law Business Studies Source: Policy Exchange

Research author Anna Fazackerley said it was down to schools and universities to do their best to provide accurate information to pupils.

She said: "Pupils should be advised on this at 14, at 16 and while they're in the sixth form."

The Policy Exchange report says that state school students are far more likely to take non-traditional A-levels, also known as "softer" subjects, than independent and grammar school pupils.

This means that subject choice is "yet another hurdle that may prevent students from less advantaged families achieving their full potential", it argues.

And some of the subjects which analysis suggests top universities do not prefer may surprise some parents and pupils.

A-levels in law, accountancy and business studies are less likely to lead to a successful application at Oxford University, for example, than one in further maths.

'Publish lists'

Three-quarters of all A-level exams are taken in non-selective schools, but 96% of entries for law and 93% for media studies are taken in these schools.

The report calls on all research-intensive universities to take immediate action to improve "transparency about subject choice and admissions."

This should include publishing lists of non-preferred subjects on their websites and saying which subjects would be considered less ideal for certain courses.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is also urged to be clear about non-preferred subjects.

Head of the Russell Group universities Dr Wendy Piatt said they were increasing and improving the information they provide for potential students about the qualifications, skills and knowledge they need for their chosen course.

"They now offer clear recommendations on the A Level subjects and 'package' of A Levels (or equivalent) which would give the candidate the best grounding for a particular course and, in some cases, which would be a less ideal combination of A Levels."

She added that universities offered a wide-range of information on course choices and were constantly examining the most effective ways of showcasing this.

For example, the University of Oxford breaks down 'Essential', 'Recommended' and 'Helpful' A-level or equivalent subjects for each course in their prospectus in addition to providing information through interactive media.

The University of Bristol publishes grade and subject requirement for each particular course.

General secretary of the Nasuwt teaching union, Chris Keates, said: "It is completely demoralising to teachers and young people to be on the receiving end of this complete denigration of the exam system.

"There are enormous demands placed on teachers and young people following A-level courses.

"We should be celebrating the standards that are achieved, not constantly seeking to cast doubt on their validity."