Durham University has offered bursaries and guaranteed accommodation for students who choose to defer their places with the university until 2021.
The university provided an updated for their applicants today following the recent changes to student’s A-level results earlier this week.
Durham had been experiencing problems with their student capacity for 2020 following the switch in student’s A-Level grades. The university is struggling to provide enough spaces for their prospective students in September which led the university to offer accommodation and bursaries for students who defer until 2021.
A statement released by Durham University today explained the situation for students and sought to reassure those who applied that their queries and concerns would be addressed.
The statement said: “We understand this has been an extremely challenging time for applicants to Durham University, their families and their schools and colleges.
“We look forward to enrolling offer holders who are currently UF with us, either for 2020 or 2021. These offers will not be withdrawn unless specifically requested by the applicant.
“Any applicant who was made an offer by the University for 2020 or 2021 will be admitted if their Centre-Assessed Grades (CAGs) meet the conditions of their offer and if they still wish to come to Durham.
“Any student who successfully appeals the assessment process and therefore meets the conditions of their offer will be admitted.
“If an applicant’s grades improve as a result of sitting examinations this autumn and that improvement means they meet or exceed the full conditions of their offer with Durham, then Durham University will offer them a place on their course starting in 2021. Where possible, students will be admitted to the College where their offer is currently held.
“Students who opt to defer to 2021 will be guaranteed College accommodation in 2021 and will be provided with a bursary by Durham University to help with their transition to university life.”
Universities across England have been experiencing a high-level of queries and requests from students following the reversal of their results.
A-Level students received their initial grades last Thursday, August 13, based on an algorithm used by the exam governing body Ofqual. Results were calculated based on pupil’s recent results in mock exams and on the individual school’s performance in A-Levels over the past three years.
The use of the algorithm saw 40% of students receive downgraded results. This led to protests from students, schools and parents last week and Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, overturned the decision at the beginning of this week. As a result, students were awarded their grades based on teacher assessments instead.
